1000 X Difference Between Current Displays and Capability of Human Visual System: Payoff Potential for Affordable Defense Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

second tier technologies: digital micromirror devices (DMD); alternating current gas plasma (ACGP); inorganic electroluminescent (EL, TFEL, AMEL... Micromirror Device (DMD) - Alternating Current Gas Plasma (ACGP) - Electroluminescent (EL, TFEL, AMEL) - Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) - Inorganic Light...Instruments Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) Digital Light Processing technology and another, the Qualcomm/Hughes-JVC CRT/Liquid Crystal Light Valve

75 FR 27966 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400D Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-19

... operator experienced a multi-power system loss in-flight of 1, 2, and 3 alternating current (AC) electrical... an operator experienced a multi-power system loss in-flight of 1, 2, and 3 AC electrical power... alternating current electrical power systems located in the main equipment center (MEC). The Federal Aviation...

Alternative Delivery Systems: A Potential Partnership for Education and Public Broadcasting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baltzer, Jan A.

If educators and public broadcasters are to realize their potential for providing high quality educational and cultural material to the public, they must be aware of current and upcoming technologies and work in concert to achieve their goals. Several alternative delivery systems are currently available to help educators and broadcasters expand…

System and method of adjusting the equilibrium temperature of an inductively-heated susceptor

DOEpatents

Matsen, Marc R; Negley, Mark A; Geren, William Preston

2015-02-24

A system for inductively heating a workpiece may include an induction coil, at least one susceptor face sheet, and a current controller coupled. The induction coil may be configured to conduct an alternating current and generate a magnetic field in response to the alternating current. The susceptor face sheet may be configured to have a workpiece positioned therewith. The susceptor face sheet may be formed of a ferromagnetic alloy having a Curie temperature and being inductively heatable to an equilibrium temperature approaching the Curie temperature in response to the magnetic field. The current controller may be coupled to the induction coil and may be configured to adjust the alternating current in a manner causing a change in at least one heating parameter of the susceptor face sheet.

Contactless system of excitation current measurement in the windings with high inductance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chubraeva, L.; Evseev, E.; Timofeev, S.

2018-02-01

The results of development, manufacturing and testing of a special contactless maintenance-free excitation current measurement system intended for the windings with high inductance, typical for superconductive alternators, are presented. The system was assembled on the brushless exciter is intended for 1 MVA wind-power generator with the winding, manufactured of high-temperature superconductors (HTSC). The alternator with brushless exciter were manufactured and successfully tested.

Methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of two alternating current (AC) machines

DOEpatents

Gallegos-Lopez, Gabriel [Torrance, CA; Nagashima, James M [Cerritos, CA; Perisic, Milun [Torrance, CA; Hiti, Silva [Redondo Beach, CA

2012-06-05

A system is provided for controlling two alternating current (AC) machines via a five-phase PWM inverter module. The system comprises a first control loop, a second control loop, and a current command adjustment module. The current command adjustment module operates in conjunction with the first control loop and the second control loop to continuously adjust current command signals that control the first AC machine and the second AC machine such that they share the input voltage available to them without compromising the target mechanical output power of either machine. This way, even when the phase voltage available to either one of the machines decreases, that machine outputs its target mechanical output power.

Cost analysis of Navy acquisition alternatives for the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darcy, T. F.; Smith, G. P.

1982-12-01

This research analyzes the life cycle cost (LCC) of the Navy's current and two hypothetical procurement alternatives for NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) user equipment. Costs are derived by the ARINC Research Corporation ACBEN cost estimating system. Data presentation is in a comparative format describing individual alternative LCC and differential costs between alternatives. Sensitivity analysis explores the impact receiver-processor unit (RPU) first unit production cost has on individual alternative LCC, as well as cost differentials between each alternative. Several benefits are discussed that might provide sufficient cost savings and/or system effectiveness improvements to warrant a procurement strategy other than the existing proposal.

Transient analysis for alternating over-current characteristics of HTSC power transmission cable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, S. H.; Hwang, S. D.

2006-10-01

In this paper, the transient analysis for the alternating over-current distribution in case that the over-current was applied for a high-TC superconducting (HTSC) power transmission cable was performed. The transient analysis for the alternating over-current characteristics of HTSC power transmission cable with multi-layer is required to estimate the redistribution of the over-current between its conducting layers and to protect the cable system from the over-current in case that the quench in one or two layers of the HTSC power cable happens. For its transient analysis, the resistance generation of the conducting layers for the alternating over-current was reflected on its equivalent circuit, based on the resistance equation obtained by applying discrete Fourier transform (DFT) for the voltage and the current waveforms of the HTSC tape, which comprises each layer of the HTSC power transmission cable. It was confirmed through the numerical analysis on its equivalent circuit that after the current redistribution from the outermost layer into the inner layers first happened, the fast current redistribution between the inner layers developed as the amplitude of the alternating over-current increased.

Mobilization and Defense Management Technical Reports Series. Alternative Service for Conscientious Objectors.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

THIS STUDY EXAMINES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM’S (SSS) CONCEPT OF ALTERNATIVE SERVICE AND THOSE ESPOUSED BY THE MENNONITE CHURCH...System’s (SSS) concept of Alternative Service and those espoused by the Mnnonite Church, the most articulate opponent of current administration planning...adminisrat-ion of an alternative service program. on January 22, the SSS puiblished its proposed concept for alternative service in the Federal Register and

Alternate Methods of Effluent Disposal for On-Lot Home Sewage Systems. Special Circular 214.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wooding, N. Henry

This circular provides current information for homeowners who must repair or replace existing on-lot sewage disposal systems. Several alternatives such as elevated sand mounds, sand-lined beds and trenches and oversized absorption areas are discussed. Site characteristics and preparation are outlined. Each alternative is accompanied by a diagram…

76 FR 66758 - Remedies for Small Copyright Claims

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-27

... legal system hinders or prevents copyright owners from pursuing copyright infringement claims that have... helpful and viable. A. Challenges of the Current Legal System Currently, copyright owners interested in... Office is interested in learning about alternatives to the current legal system that might help alleviate...

Cascaded resonant bridge converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuart, Thomas A. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A converter for converting a low voltage direct current power source to a higher voltage, high frequency alternating current output for use in an electrical system where it is desired to use low weight cables and other circuit elements. The converter has a first stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which converts the direct current power source to an alternating current by means of switching elements that are operated by a variable frequency voltage regulator, a transformer to step up the voltage of the alternating current, and a rectifier bridge to convert the alternating current to a direct current first stage output. The converter further has a second stage series resonant (Schwarz) converter which is connected in series to the first stage converter to receive its direct current output and convert it to a second stage high frequency alternating current output by means of switching elements that are operated by a fixed frequency oscillator. The voltage of the second stage output is controlled at a relatively constant value by controlling the first stage output voltage, which is accomplished by controlling the frequency of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller in response to second stage voltage. Fault tolerance in the event of a load short circuit is provided by making the operation of the first stage variable frequency voltage controller responsive to first and second stage current limiting devices. The second stage output is connected to a rectifier bridge whose output is connected to the input of the second stage to provide good regulation of output voltage wave form at low system loads.

46 CFR 111.30-25 - Alternating-current ship's service switchboards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

...-25 Section 111.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-25 Alternating-current ship's service... regulator unit acting on the exciter field, each switchboard must have: (1) A generator field rheostat; (2...

46 CFR 111.30-25 - Alternating-current ship's service switchboards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...-25 Section 111.30-25 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Switchboards § 111.30-25 Alternating-current ship's service... regulator unit acting on the exciter field, each switchboard must have: (1) A generator field rheostat; (2...

Nitrate removal from pharmaceutical wastewater using microbial electrochemical system supplied through low frequency-low voltage alternating electric current.

PubMed

Hoseinzadeh, Edris; Rezaee, Abbas; Farzadkia, Mahdi

2018-04-01

In this study, a microbial electrochemical system (MES) was designed to evaluate the effects of a low frequency-low voltage alternating electrical current on denitrification efficacy in the presence of ibuprofen as a low biodegradable organic carbon source. Cylindrical carbon cloth and stainless steel mesh electrodes containing a consortium of heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria were mounted in the wall of the designed laboratory-scale bioreactor. The effects of inlet nitrate concentration (50-800mgL -1 ), retention time (2.5-24h), waveform magnitude (0.1-9.6V p-p ), adjustable direct current voltage added to offset voltage (0.1-4.9V), alternating current frequency (10-60Hz), and waveforms (sinusoidal, square, and ramp) were studied in this work. The results showed that the proposed system removes 800mgL -1 nitrate up to 95% during 6.5h. Optimum conditions were obtained in the 8V p-p using a frequency of 10Hz of a sinusoidal waveform. The morphology studies confirmed bacterial morphology change when applying the alternating current. Dehydrogenase activity of biofilms formed on surface of stainless steel electrodes increased to 15.24μgTFmg biomass cm -2 d. The maximum bacterial activity was obtained at a voltage of 8V p-p . The experimental results revealed that the MES using a low frequency-low voltage alternating electrical current is a promising technique for nitrate removal from pharmaceutical wastewaters in the presence of low biodegradability of carbon sources such as ibuprofen. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solar cell system having alternating current output

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, J. C., Jr. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A monolithic multijunction solar cell was modified by fabricating an integrated circuit inverter on the back of the cell to produce a device capable of generating an alternating current output. In another embodiment, integrated curcuit power conditioning electronics was incorporated in a module containing a solar cell power supply.

The ILLIAC IV memory system: Current status and future possibilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevenson, D. K.

1978-01-01

The future needs of researchers who will use the Illiac were examined and the requirements they will place on the memory system were evaluated. Various alternatives to replacing critical memory components were considered with regard to cost, risk, system impact, software requirements, and implementation schedules. The current system, its performance and status, and the limitations it places on possible enhancements are discussed as well as the planned enhancements to the Illiac processor. After a brief technology survey, different implementations are presented for each system memory component. Three different memory systems are proposed to meet the identified needs of the Illiac user community. These three alternatives differ considerably with respect to storage capacity and accessing capabilities, but they all offer significant improvements over the current system. The proposed systems and their relative merits are analyzed.

Automated dredging and disposal alternatives management system (ADDAMS). Environmental effects of dredging. Technical note

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

This technical note describes the current capabilities and availability of the Automated Dredging and Disposal Alternatives Management System (ADDAMS). The technical note replaces the earlier Technical Note EEDP-06-12, which should be discarded. Planning, design, and management of dredging and dredged material disposal projects often require complex or tedious calculations or involve complex decision-making criteria. In addition, the evaluations often must be done for several disposal alternatives or disposal sites. ADDAMS is a personal computer (PC)-based system developed to assist in making such evaluations in a timely manner. ADDAMS contains a collection of computer programs (applications) designed to assist in managingmore » dredging projects. This technical note describes the system, currently available applications, mechanisms for acquiring and running the system, and provisions for revision and expansion.« less

Assessment of Alternative Student and Delivery Systems: Assessment of the Current Delivery System. Supplement I to the Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Advanced Technology, Inc., Reston, VA.

The effects of the current student financial aid delivery system on five major participant groups are examined: federal government, states/guarantee agencies, postsecondary institutions, lenders and secondary markets, and applicants and families. Attention is directed to effects of the current system, including: administrative costs, fund…

Alternatives to Traditional Notation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gaare, Mark

1997-01-01

Provides a introduction and overview to alternative music notation systems. Describes guitar tablature, accordion tablature, klavarskribo (a keyboard notational system developed by Cornelius Pot, a Dutch engineer), and the digital piano roll. Briefly discusses the history of notation reform and current efforts. Includes examples from scores. (MJP)

Recommendations for Developing Alternative Test Methods for Developmental Neurotoxicity

EPA Science Inventory

There is great interest in developing alternative methods for developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT) that are cost-efficient, use fewer animals and are based on current scientific knowledge of the developing nervous system. Alternative methods will require demonstration of the...

Determination of complex formation constants by phase sensitive alternating current polarography: Cadmium-polymethacrylic acid and cadmium-polygalacturonic acid.

PubMed

Garrigosa, Anna Maria; Gusmão, Rui; Ariño, Cristina; Díaz-Cruz, José Manuel; Esteban, Miquel

2007-10-15

The use of phase sensitive alternating current polarography (ACP) for the evaluation of complex formation constants of systems where electrodic adsorption is present has been proposed. The applicability of the technique implies the previous selection of the phase angle where contribution of capacitive current is minimized. This is made using Multivariate Curve Resolution by Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) in the analysis of ACP measurements at different phase angles. The method is checked by the study of the complexation of Cd by polymethacrylic (PMA) and polygalacturonic (PGA) acids, and the optimal phase angles have been ca. -10 degrees for Cd-PMA and ca. -15 degrees for Cd-PGA systems. The goodness of phase sensitive ACP has been demonstrated comparing the determined complex formation constants with those obtained by reverse pulse polarography, a technique that minimizes the electrode adsorption effects on the measured currents.

Application of Small-Scale Systems: Evaluation of Alternatives

Treesearch

John Wilhoit; Robert Rummer

1999-01-01

Large-scale mechanized systems are not well-suited for harvesting smaller tracts of privately owned forest land. New alternative small-scale harvesting systems are needed which utilize mechanized felling, have a low capital investment requirement, are small in physical size, and are based primarily on adaptations of current harvesting technology. This paper presents...

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF POLICY OPTIONS ON AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES: AN ALTERNATIVE-FUTURES APPROACH

EPA Science Inventory

Alternative-futures analysis was used to analyze different scenarios of future growth patterns and attendant resource allocations on the agricultural system of Oregon's Willamette River Basin. A stakeholder group formulated three policy alternatives: a continuation of current tr...

Proposal and Development of a High Voltage Variable Frequency Alternating Current Power System for Hybrid Electric Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadey, David J.; Taylor, Linda M.; Beach, Raymond F.

2016-01-01

The development of ultra-efficient commercial vehicles and the transition to low-carbon emission propulsion are seen as thrust paths within NASA Aeronautics. A critical enabler to these paths comes in the form of hybrid-electric propulsion systems. For megawatt-class systems, the best power system topology for these hybrid-electric propulsion systems is debatable. Current proposals within NASA and the Aero community suggest using a combination of AC and DC for power transmission. This paper proposes an alternative to the current thought model through the use of a primarily high voltage AC power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, supported by the Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) Project. This system relies heavily on the use of dual-fed induction machines, which provide high power densities, minimal power conversion, and variable speed operation. The paper presents background on the project along with the system architecture, development status and preliminary results.

59. View of high voltage (4160 volts alternating current) electric ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

59. View of high voltage (4160 volts alternating current) electric load center and motor control center at mezzanine level in transmitter building no. 102. - Clear Air Force Station, Ballistic Missile Early Warning System Site II, One mile west of mile marker 293.5 on Parks Highway, 5 miles southwest of Anderson, Anderson, Denali Borough, AK

An Algorithm for Automated Rating of Reviewers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riggs, Tracy; Wilensky, Robert

The current system for scholarly information dissemination may be amenable to significant improvement. In particular, going from the current system of journal publication to one of self-distributed documents offers significant cost and timeliness advantages. A major concern with such alternatives is how to provide the value currently afforded by…

Sustainable Agriculture in Print: Current Books. Special Reference Briefs: SRB 95-02.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD.

Prepared by the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) staff and volunteers, this annotated bibliography provides a list of 85 recently published books pertaining to sustainable agriculture. AFSIC focuses on alternative farming systems (e.g., sustainable, low-input, regenerative, biodynamic, and organic) that maintain agricultural…

Assessment of Alternative Student Aid Delivery Systems: Assessment of the Current Delivery System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Advanced Technology, Inc., Reston, VA.

The effects of the current system for delivering federal financial assistance to students under the Pell Grant, Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL), and campus-based programs are analyzed. Information is included on the use of the assessment model, which combines program evaluation, systems research, and policy analysis methodologies.…

Practical aspects of the use of three-phase alternating current electric machines in electricity storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciucur, Violeta

2015-02-01

Of three-phase alternating current electric machines, it brings into question which of them is more advantageous to be used in electrical energy storage system by pumping water. The two major categories among which are given dispute are synchronous and the asynchronous machine. To consider the synchronous machine with permanent magnet configuration because it brings advantages compared with conventional synchronous machine, first by removing the necessary additional excitation winding. From the point of view of loss of the two types of machines, the optimal adjustment of the magnetic flux density is obtained to minimize the copper loss by hysteresis and eddy currents.

75 FR 27414 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus A318, A319, A320, A321 Series Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-17

... occurrences of loss of the AC [alternating current] BUS 1 have been reported which led in some instances to the loss of the AC ESS [essential] BUS and DC [direct current] ESS BUS and connected systems. The... condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Several occurrences of loss of the AC [alternating...

School Finance Equalization Management System: An Overview.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ. Education Policy Research Institute.

This overview acquaints prospective users with the School Finance Equalization Management System (SFEMS), a computer-based system designed to answer questions about state aid distribution. SFEMS can determine such things as the current pattern of aid distribution, the current pattern of tax effort, or the effect of alternative expenditure and…

78 FR 25101 - Credit Ratings Roundtable

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-29

... examine issues in connection with the possibility of developing a credit rating assignment system. The second panel will discuss the effectiveness of the Commission's current system under the Securities... focus on other potential alternatives to the current issuer pay business model. The roundtable...

Benchmarking--Current Availability, Possible New National Alternatives, and Making a Contribution to the Discussion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atchison, Eric S.; Hosch, Braden J.

2015-01-01

This chapter synthesizes the national discussion on other solutions to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), such as a national student record system, and complications. The authors will briefly examine the pros and cons of IPEDS while primarily focusing on national alternatives, as well providing specific examples for…

Evaluating transportation systems management & operations (TSM&O) benefits to alternative intersection treatments.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-12-01

This research provides a comprehensive review and assessment of current alternative intersection methods : which successfully eliminate the left-turn phase. With increasing traffic and limited resources, the Florida : Department of Transportati...

Evaluation of Solvent Alternatives for Cleaning of Oxygen Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beeson, Harold; Biesinger, Paul; Delgado, Rafael; Antin, Neil

1999-01-01

The NASA White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) in a joint program with the Naval Sea Systems Command has evaluated a number of solvents as alternatives to the use of chlorofluorocarbons currently utilized for cleaning of oxygen systems. Particular attention has been given to the cleaning of gauges and instrumentation used in oxygen service, since there have been no identified aqueous alternatives. The requirements identified as selection criteria, include toxicity, physical properties consistent with application, flammability, oxygen compatibility, and cleaning ability. This paper provides a summary of results and recommendations for solvents evaluated to date.

Alternative methods for safety analysis and intervention for contracting commercial vehicles and drivers in Connecticut

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-06-01

This study evaluated Connecticuts current system for qualifying contractors for : the use of commercial vehicles on state contracts, identifies its impacts, and : makes recommendations on how the state should revise the current system. The : prima...

Tradeoff Analysis for Combat Service Support Wireless Communications Alternatives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burnette, John R.; Thibodeau, Christopher C.; Greitzer, Frank L.

2002-02-28

As the Army moves toward more mobile and agile forces and continued sustainment of numerous high-cost legacy logistics management systems, the requirement for wireless connectivity and a wireless network to supporting organizations has become ever more critical. There are currently several Army communications initiatives underway to resolve this wireless connectivity issue. However, to fully appreciate and understand the value of these initiatives, a Tradeoff Analysis is needed. The present study seeks to identify and assess solutions. The analysis identified issues that impede Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) communication system integration and outlined core requirements for sharing of logistics data betweenmore » the field and Army battle command systems. Then, the analysis examined wireless communication alternatives as possible solutions for IBCT logistics communications problems. The current baseline system was compared with possible alternatives involving tactical radio systems, wireless/near term digital radio, cellular satellite, and third-generation (3G) wireless technologies. Cellular satellite and 3G wireless technologies offer clear advantages and should be considered for later IBCTs.« less

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System: An Alternative Way to Calculate the ECTS Grades

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grosges, Thomas; Barchiesi, Dominique

2007-01-01

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) has been developed and instituted to facilitate student mobility and academic recognition. This paper presents, discusses, and illustrates the pertinence and the limitation of the current statistical distribution of the ECTS grades, and we propose an alternative way to calculate the ECTS…

Advantages of Thesaurus Representation Using the Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS) Compared with Proposed Alternatives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pastor-Sanchez, Juan-Antonio; Martinez Mendez, Francisco Javier; Rodriguez-Munoz, Jose Vicente

2009-01-01

Introduction: This paper presents an analysis of the Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS) compared with other alternatives for thesaurus representation in the Semantic Web. Method: Based on functional and structural changes of thesauri, provides an overview of the current context in which lexical paradigm is abandoned in favour of the…

78 FR 26667 - Sunshine Act Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-07

... first panel will examine issues in connection with the possibility of developing a credit rating assignment system. The second panel will discuss the effectiveness of the Commission's current system under.... The third panel will focus on other potential alternatives to the current issuer pay business model...

Portable power supply options for positive airway pressure devices.

PubMed

Riaz, Muhammad; Certal, Victor; Camacho, Macario

2015-01-01

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often face the challenge of how to power their positive airway pressure (PAP) devices when alternating current power supplies are not available in remote areas with lack of electricity or frequent power outages. This article elucidates portable power supply options for PAP devices with the aim to increase alternative power source awareness among medical providers. A search of scientific databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library) was carried out on the topic of alternative portable power supply options for treatment of OSA. Scientific databases listed above yielded only limited results. Most articles were found via Google search. These articles were reviewed for alternative power supply options for OSA patients when alternating current is not available. The power supply options in this article include lead-acid batteries (starter, marine and deep-cycle batteries), lithium ion batteries, solar kits, battery packs, backup power systems, portable generators, and travel-size PAP devices. There are several options to power PAP devices with direct current when alternating current is not available. Knowledgeable primary care physicians especially in rural and remote areas can help OSA patients improve PAP compliance in order to mitigate morbidity and long-term complications of OSA.

Archive Storage Media Alternatives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ranade, Sanjay

1990-01-01

Reviews requirements for a data archive system and describes storage media alternatives that are currently available. Topics discussed include data storage; data distribution; hierarchical storage architecture, including inline storage, online storage, nearline storage, and offline storage; magnetic disks; optical disks; conventional magnetic…

Computational Evaluation of a Latent Heat Energy Storage System

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

alternative to conventional photovoltaic panels paired with electrochemical batteries , has at the core of its design a latent heat based energy...The proposed system, an alternative to conventional photovoltaic panels paired with electrochemical batteries , has at the core of its design a latent...somewhat for certain niches in which material cost is less of a concern. Current latent heat storage systems typically use paraffin compounds or salt

Development of a dual-field heteropoplar power converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eisenhaure, D. B.; Johnson, B.; Bliamptis, T.; St. George, E.

1981-01-01

The design and testing of a 400 watt, dual phase, dual rotor, field modulated inductor alternator is described. The system is designed for use as a flywheel to ac utility line or flywheel to dc bus (electric vehicle) power converter. The machine is unique in that it uses dual rotors and separately controlled fields to produce output current and voltage which are in phase with each other. Having the voltage and current in phase allows the power electronics to be made of simple low cost components. Based on analytical predictions and experimental results, development of a complete 22 kilowatt (30 Hp) power conversion system is recommended. This system would include power electronics and controls and would replace the inductor alternator with an improved electromagnetic conversion system.

77 FR 13043 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-05

... to the top surface of the MEC drip shield. That NPRM was prompted by a report of a multi-power system loss in flight of 1, 2, and 3 alternating current electrical power systems located in the MEC. This... current electrical power systems located in the main equipment center (MEC). We are issuing this AD to...

IDENTIFICATION OF TI02/UV DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS IN DRINKING WATER

EPA Science Inventory

Due to concern over the presence of trihalomethanes (THMs) and other chlorinated byproducts in chlorinated drinking water, alternative disinfection methods are being explored. One of the alternative treatment methods currently being evaluated for potential use with small systems ...

Alternate charging and discharging of capacitor to enhance the electron production of bioelectrochemical systems.

PubMed

Liang, Peng; Wu, Wenlong; Wei, Jincheng; Yuan, Lulu; Xia, Xue; Huang, Xia

2011-08-01

A bioelectrochemical system (BES) can be operated in both "microbial fuel cell" (MFC) and "microbial electrolysis cell" (MEC) modes, in which power is delivered and invested respectively. To enhance the electric current production, a BES was operated in MFC mode first and a capacitor was used to collect power from the system. Then the charged capacitor discharged electrons to the system itself, switching into MEC mode. This alternate charging and discharging (ACD) mode helped the system produce 22-32% higher average current compared to an intermittent charging (IC) mode, in which the capacitor was first charged from an MFC and then discharged to a resistor, at 21.6 Ω external resistance, 3.3 F capacitance and 300 mV charging voltage. The effects of external resistance, capacitance and charging voltage on average current were studied. The average current reduced as the external resistance and charging voltage increased and was slightly affected by the capacitance. Acquisition of higher average current in the ACD mode was attributed to the shorter discharging time compared to the charging time, as well as a higher anode potential caused by discharging the capacitor. Results from circuit analysis and quantitatively calculation were consistent with the experimental observations.

Metallization failures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beatty, R.

1971-01-01

Metallization-related failure mechanisms were shown to be a major cause of integrated circuit failures under accelerated stress conditions, as well as in actual use under field operation. The integrated circuit industry is aware of the problem and is attempting to solve it in one of two ways: (1) better understanding of the aluminum system, which is the most widely used metallization material for silicon integrated circuits both as a single level and multilevel metallization, or (2) evaluating alternative metal systems. Aluminum metallization offers many advantages, but also has limitations particularly at elevated temperatures and high current densities. As an alternative, multilayer systems of the general form, silicon device-metal-inorganic insulator-metal, are being considered to produce large scale integrated arrays. The merits and restrictions of metallization systems in current usage and systems under development are defined.

Advanced Civilian Aeronautical Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bushnell, Dennis M.

1996-01-01

Paper discusses alternatives to currently deployed systems which could provide revolutionary improvements in metrics applicable to civilian aeronautics. Specific missions addressed include subsonic transports, supersonic transports and personal aircraft. These alternative systems and concepts are enabled by recent and envisaged advancements in electronics, communications, computing and Designer Fluid Mechanics in conjunction with a design approach employing extensive synergistic interactions between propulsion, aerodynamics and structures.

My Response to the Systemic Approach to Gifted Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Seon-Young

2012-01-01

As an alternative to the current paradigm of gifted education, Ziegler and Phillipson proposed a systemic approach and argued that factors in the current mechanistic model of giftedness are not good predictors for exceptionality. They pinpointed that a single factor identified as an indicator of giftedness, ineffective measures, inappropriate…

The opinion of Turkish cardiologists on current malpractice system and an alternative patient compensation system proposal: PCS study group.

PubMed

Olcay, Ayhan; Emren, Sadık Volkan; Babür Güler, Gamze; Güler, Ekrem; Ertunç, Vedat; Berilgen, Rida; Aslan, Abdullah; Şimşek, Ersin Çağrı; Gölcük, Şükriye Ebru; Yalın, Kıvanç

2017-10-01

Cardiologists participate in the diagnosis and interventional treatment of numerous high-risk patients. The goal of this study was to investigate how the current malpractice system in Turkey influences cardiologists' diagnostic and interventional behavior and to obtain their opinions about an alternative patient compensation system. The present cross-sectional study assessed the practice of defensive medicine among cardiologists who are actively working in various types of workplace within the Turkish healthcare system. A 24-item questionnaire was distributed to cardiology residents, specialists, and academics in Turkey in print format, by electronic mail, or via cell phone message. A total of 253 cardiologists responded to the survey. Among them, 29 (11.6%) had been sued for malpractice claims in the past. Of the cardiologists who had been sued, 2 (6.9%) had been ordered to pay financial compensation, and 1 (3.4%) was given a sentence of imprisonment due to negligence. In all, 132 (52.8%) of the surveyed cardiologists reported that they had changed their practices due to fear of litigation, and 232 (92.8%) reported that they would prefer the new proposed patient compensation system to the current malpractice system. Among the cardiologists surveyed, 78.8% indicated that malpractice fear had affected their decision-making with regard to requesting computed tomography angiography or thallium scintigraphy, 71.6% for coronary angiography, 20% for stent implantation, and 83.2% for avoiding treating high-risk patients. The results of this survey demonstrated that cardiologists may request unnecessary tests and perform unneeded interventions due to the fear of malpractice litigation fear. Many also avoid high-risk patients and interventions. The majority indicated that they would prefer the proposed alternative patient compensation system to the current malpractice system.

Investigation of alternate power source for Space Shuttle Orbiter hydraulic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, William E.; Young, Fred M.

1993-01-01

This investigation consists of a short-term feasibility study to determine whether or not an alternate electrical power source would trade favorably from a performance, reliability, safety, operation, and weight standpoint in replacing the current auxiliary power unit subsystems with its attendant components (water spray boiler, hydrazine fuel and tanks, feed and vent lines, controls, etc.), operating under current flight rules. Results of this feasibility study are used to develop recommendations for the next step (e.g., to determine if such an alternate electrical power source would show an advantage given that the current operational flight mode of the system could be modified in such a way as not to constrain the operational capability and safety of the vehicle). However, this next step is not within the scope of this investigation. This study does not include a cost analysis, nor does it include investigation of the integration aspects involved in such a trade, except in a qualitative sense for the determination of concept feasibility.

Integrated urban systems model with multiple transportation supply agents.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-10-01

This project demonstrates the feasibility of developing quantitative models that can forecast future networks under : current and alternative transportation planning processes. The current transportation planning process is modeled : based on empiric...

Separation and Depleted Uranium Fragments from Gun Test Catchment. Volume 2. Catchment System and Separations Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-30

projectile fragments from target materials, principally sand. Phase I activities included (1) literature review of separations technology , (2) site visits, (3...the current operation, evaluation of alternative means for separation of DU from sand, a review of uranium mining technology for v possible...the current operation, evaluation of alternative means for separation of DU from sand, a review of uranium mining technology for possible

Single-contact tunneling thermometry

DOEpatents

Maksymovych, Petro

2016-02-23

A single-contact tunneling thermometry circuit includes a tunnel junction formed between two objects. Junction temperature gradient information is determined based on a mathematical relationship between a target alternating voltage applied across the junction and the junction temperature gradient. Total voltage measured across the junction indicates the magnitude of the target alternating voltage. A thermal gradient is induced across the junction. A reference thermovoltage is measured when zero alternating voltage is applied across the junction. An increasing alternating voltage is applied while measuring a thermovoltage component and a DC rectification voltage component created by the applied alternating voltage. The target alternating voltage is reached when the thermovoltage is nullified or doubled by the DC rectification voltage depending on the sign of the reference thermovoltage. Thermoelectric current and current measurements may be utilized in place of the thermovoltage and voltage measurements. The system may be automated with a feedback loop.

Cognitive Theory within the Framework of an Information Processing Model and Learning Hierarchy: Viable Alternative to the Bloom-Mager System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stahl, Robert J.

This review of the current status of the human information processing model presents the Stahl Perceptual Information Processing and Operations Model (SPInPrOM) as a model of how thinking, memory, and the processing of information take place within the individual learner. A related system, the Domain of Cognition, is presented as an alternative to…

Alternatives to Accountability: Stool Pigeon Versus Servant and Soulmate.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Reilly, Robert P.; Gorth, William P.

The visible claims of the current accountability movement are examined critically, and an alternative philosophy and a developing system are offered. Areas examined include the psychological implications of accountability philosophies for teaching staff, certain educational measurement problems, and the availability or adequacy of operating…

Alternatives to current fumigation practices in western states raspberry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Red raspberry production systems in the western United States are heavily reliant on preplant soil fumigation to ensure the successful establishment and productivity of a planting. However, due to issues related to the regulation, availability, and economics of soil fumigation alternatives are need ...

High-frequency matrix converter with square wave input

DOEpatents

Carr, Joseph Alexander; Balda, Juan Carlos

2015-03-31

A device for producing an alternating current output voltage from a high-frequency, square-wave input voltage comprising, high-frequency, square-wave input a matrix converter and a control system. The matrix converter comprises a plurality of electrical switches. The high-frequency input and the matrix converter are electrically connected to each other. The control system is connected to each switch of the matrix converter. The control system is electrically connected to the input of the matrix converter. The control system is configured to operate each electrical switch of the matrix converter converting a high-frequency, square-wave input voltage across the first input port of the matrix converter and the second input port of the matrix converter to an alternating current output voltage at the output of the matrix converter.

A new intelligent bed care system for hospital and home patients.

PubMed

Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Miyamoto, Yasuaki; Maki, Hiromichi; Ogawa, Hidekuni; Ninomiya, Ishio; Sada, Kouji; Hamada, Shingo; Caldwell, W Morton

2005-01-01

An intelligent bed-care system has been developed for monitoring patient movements and behavior in the hospital and at home in order to prevent injuries from falls, a major problem in health care facilities. Falls, as well as patient activity immediately preceding falls (i.e. exiting the bed), are especially dangerous when infusion extubation also occurs. This new system detects in-bed infusion fluid leaks, bleeding due to infusion-tube pullout, and urine resulting from incontinence. It employs stainless steel tape and wire noncontacting electrodes, several linear integrated circuits, and a low-power, 8-bit single-chip microcomputer The electrodes are installed between the bed mattress and sheet to record changes in an always-present alternating current (AC) voltage, which is induced on the patient's body by electrostatic coupling from a 100-V, 60-Hz alternating current power line around the bed. The microcomputer uses changes in the induced alternating current voltage to detect the patient's movements before and after leaving the bed, as well as any fluid leakage. The microcomputer alerts the nursing station, via the nurse call system or personal handy phone (PHS), that the patient is in an active state; has a dangerous posture on the bed; is contaminating the sheet due to leaking, bleeding or incontinence; or is out of bed.

An Incubatable Direct Current Stimulation System for In Vitro Studies of Mammalian Cells

PubMed Central

Panitch, Alyssa; Caplan, Michael; Sweeney, James D.

2012-01-01

Abstract The purpose of this study was to provide a simplified alternative technology and format for direct current stimulation of mammalian cells. An incubatable reusable stimulator was developed that effectively delivers a regulated current and does not require constant monitoring. PMID:23514694

Food, Energy, and The Environment: Alternatives for Creating New Lifestyles.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sorrells, Nancy R.; Pimentel, David

1981-01-01

Provides background information on the interdependency of agriculture and ecological and social systems. Discusses in detail: (1) fossil energy and food production; (2) energy-intensive agriculture and environmental pollution; and (3) methods for developing alternatives. Includes recommendations to conserve fossil energy used in current food…

Young doctors' preferences for payment systems: the influence of gender and personality traits.

PubMed

Abelsen, Birgit; Olsen, Jan Abel

2015-08-19

Activity-based payment contracts are common among doctors, but to what extent are they preferred? The aim of this paper is to elicit young doctors' preferences for alternative payment systems before they have adapted to an existing system. We examine the existence of gender differences and the extent to which personality traits determine preferences. A cross-sectional survey of all final-year medical students and all interns in Norway examined the extent to which preferences for different payment systems depend on gender and personality traits. Data analysis relied on one-way ANOVA and multinomial logistic regression. The current activity-based payment systems were the least preferred, both in hospitals (16.6%) and in general practice (19.7%). The contrasting alternative "fixed salary" achieved similar relative support. Approximately half preferred the hybrid alternative. When certainty associated with a payment system increased, its appeal rose for women and individuals who are less prestige-oriented, risk-tolerant or effort-tolerant. Activity-based systems were preferred among status- and income-oriented respondents. The vast majority of young doctors prefer payment systems that are less activity-based than the current contracts offered in the Norwegian health service. Recruitment and retention in less prestigious medical specialities might improve if young doctors could choose payment systems corresponding with their diverse preferences.

Business model for sensor-based fall recognition systems.

PubMed

Fachinger, Uwe; Schöpke, Birte

2014-01-01

AAL systems require, in addition to sophisticated and reliable technology, adequate business models for their launch and sustainable establishment. This paper presents the basic features of alternative business models for a sensor-based fall recognition system which was developed within the context of the "Lower Saxony Research Network Design of Environments for Ageing" (GAL). The models were developed parallel to the R&D process with successive adaptation and concretization. An overview of the basic features (i.e. nine partial models) of the business model is given and the mutual exclusive alternatives for each partial model are presented. The partial models are interconnected and the combinations of compatible alternatives lead to consistent alternative business models. However, in the current state, only initial concepts of alternative business models can be deduced. The next step will be to gather additional information to work out more detailed models.

Compact Superconducting Power Systems for Airborne Applications (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

rotating machin- ery such as motors and alternators, is to maximize the magnet- ic flux density. This can be achieved by using a higher current...future systems could be driven to much higher power ratios, since the initial machine configuration was a homopolar inductor alternator‡ (HIA). A... Homopolar inductor alternator is an electrically symmetrical synchro- nous generator with a field winding that has a fixed magnetic position in relation to

30 CFR 75.703-2 - Approved grounding mediums.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Approved grounding mediums. 75.703-2 Section 75... mediums. For purposes of grounding offtrack direct-current machines, the following grounding mediums are... alternating current grounding medium where such machines are fed by an ungrounded direct-current power system...

30 CFR 75.703-2 - Approved grounding mediums.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Approved grounding mediums. 75.703-2 Section 75... mediums. For purposes of grounding offtrack direct-current machines, the following grounding mediums are... alternating current grounding medium where such machines are fed by an ungrounded direct-current power system...

30 CFR 75.703-2 - Approved grounding mediums.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Approved grounding mediums. 75.703-2 Section 75... mediums. For purposes of grounding offtrack direct-current machines, the following grounding mediums are... alternating current grounding medium where such machines are fed by an ungrounded direct-current power system...

30 CFR 75.703-2 - Approved grounding mediums.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Approved grounding mediums. 75.703-2 Section 75... mediums. For purposes of grounding offtrack direct-current machines, the following grounding mediums are... alternating current grounding medium where such machines are fed by an ungrounded direct-current power system...

30 CFR 75.703-2 - Approved grounding mediums.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Approved grounding mediums. 75.703-2 Section 75... mediums. For purposes of grounding offtrack direct-current machines, the following grounding mediums are... alternating current grounding medium where such machines are fed by an ungrounded direct-current power system...

Multi-Modal Traveler Information System - Alternative GCM Corridor Technologies and Strategies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-10-24

The purpose of this working paper is to summarize current and evolving Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies and strategies related to the design, development, and deployment of regional multi-modal traveler information systems. This r...

Cycling firing method for bypass operation of bridge converters

DOEpatents

Zabar, Zivan

1982-01-01

The bridge converter comprises a number of switching elements and an electronic logic system which regulated the electric power levels by controlling the firing, i.e., the initiation of the conduction period of the switching elements. Cyclic firing of said elements allows the direct current to bypass the alternating current system with high power factor and negligible losses.

46 CFR 175.400 - Definitions of terms used in this subchapter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... hull from corrosion. It includes, as a minimum, either hull coatings and a cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of sacrificial anodes, or an impressed current CP system. Alternative Hull Examination...

46 CFR 71.50-1 - Definitions relating to hull examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... includes, as a minimum, either hull coatings and a cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of sacrificial anodes, or an impressed current CP system. Alternative Hull Examination (AHE) Program means a...

46 CFR 175.400 - Definitions of terms used in this subchapter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... hull from corrosion. It includes, as a minimum, either hull coatings and a cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of sacrificial anodes, or an impressed current CP system. Alternative Hull Examination...

46 CFR 175.400 - Definitions of terms used in this subchapter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... hull from corrosion. It includes, as a minimum, either hull coatings and a cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of sacrificial anodes, or an impressed current CP system. Alternative Hull Examination...

46 CFR 175.400 - Definitions of terms used in this subchapter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... hull from corrosion. It includes, as a minimum, either hull coatings and a cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of sacrificial anodes, or an impressed current CP system. Alternative Hull Examination...

46 CFR 71.50-1 - Definitions relating to hull examinations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... includes, as a minimum, either hull coatings and a cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of sacrificial anodes, or an impressed current CP system. Alternative Hull Examination (AHE) Program means a...

Refractory Materials for Flame Deflector Protection System Corrosion Control: Flame Deflector Protection System Life Cycle Cost Analysis Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calle, Luz Marina; Hintze, Paul E.; Parlier, Christopher R.; Coffman, Brekke E.; Kolody, Mark R.; Curran, Jerome P.; Trejo, David; Reinschmidt, Ken; Kim, Hyung-Jin

2009-01-01

A 20-year life cycle cost analysis was performed to compare the operational life cycle cost, processing/turnaround timelines, and operations manpower inspection/repair/refurbishment requirements for corrosion protection of the Kennedy Space Center launch pad flame deflector associated with the existing cast-in-place materials and a newer advanced refractory ceramic material. The analysis compared the estimated costs of(1) continuing to use of the current refractory material without any changes; (2) completely reconstructing the flame trench using the current refractory material; and (3) completely reconstructing the flame trench with a new high-performance refractory material. Cost estimates were based on an analysis of the amount of damage that occurs after each launch and an estimate of the average repair cost. Alternative 3 was found to save $32M compared to alternative 1 and $17M compared to alternative 2 over a 20-year life cycle.

Automated Power-Distribution System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomason, Cindy; Anderson, Paul M.; Martin, James A.

1990-01-01

Automated power-distribution system monitors and controls electrical power to modules in network. Handles both 208-V, 20-kHz single-phase alternating current and 120- to 150-V direct current. Power distributed to load modules from power-distribution control units (PDCU's) via subsystem distributors. Ring busses carry power to PDCU's from power source. Needs minimal attention. Detects faults and also protects against them. Potential applications include autonomous land vehicles and automated industrial process systems.

The current status on the selection and management of vegetation for slow rate and overland flow application systems to treat municipal wastewater in the North Central region of the United States

Treesearch

D.G. Brockway; T.M. Burton; J.H. Cooley; F.M. D' Itri; R.H. Dowdy; B.G. Ellis; L. Epstein; A.E. Erickson; J.E. Hook; L.W. Jacobs; S.N. Kerr; B.D. Knezek; E.A. Myers; A.J. Palazzo; S. Poloncsik; G.R. Safir; W.E. Sopper; J.C. Sutherland; M.B. Tesar; R.E. Thomas; D.H. Urie

1981-01-01

The 1977 Clean Water Amendments to Public Law 92-500 were enacted to strengthen the orignal policy of encouraging the utilization ofinnovative, alternative management techniques far the treatment and disposal of municipal wastewater. These alternative techniques include spray irigation and overland flow land treatment systems which can be used individual cr...

Alternative Methods to Standby Gain Scheduling Following Air Data System Failure

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

in the event of air data system failures. There are two problems with this current method. First, the pilot must take time away from other ...pertinent tasks to manually position the standby-gains via the landing gear handle, air-to-air refueling door switch or some other means. Second, the...the way, the original airspeed estimator was improved and two other alternatives to standby-gain-scheduling were investigated. Knowing what

Current and Future Research in Active Control of Lightweight, Flexible Structures Using the X-56 Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, John J.; Bosworth, John T.; Burken, John J.; Suh, Peter M.

2014-01-01

The X-56 Multi-Utility Technology Testbed aircraft system is a versatile experimental research flight platform. The system was primarily designed to investigate active control of lightweight flexible structures, but is reconfigurable and capable of hosting a wide breadth of research. Current research includes flight experimentation of a Lockheed Martin designed active control flutter suppression system. Future research plans continue experimentation with alternative control systems, explore the use of novel sensor systems, and experiments with the use of novel control effectors. This paper describes the aircraft system, current research efforts designed around the system, and future planned research efforts that will be hosted on the aircraft system.

Proceedings of the Symposium on Current Concepts and Approaches on Animal Test Alternatives

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

vertebrate model, more specifically, the chorloallantoic membrane (CAN) of a developing chicken embryo, has been proposed for use as an alternative...and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C. He has a B.S. in pharmacy (University of New Mexico ) and a Ph.D. in pharmacology (University of Colorado...model is represented by the choriallantoic membrane system (CAM).20,21 This system uses fertilized chicken eggs, whose vascular network (or CAM) is

Research Technology

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-10-21

Travel to distant stars is a long-range goal of Marshall Space Flight Center's Advanced Concept Group. One of the many propulsion systems currently being studied is fusion power. The objective of this and many other alternative propulsion systems is to reduce the costs of space access and to reduce the travel time for planetary missions. One of the major factors is providing an alternate engery source for these missions. Pictured is an artist's concept of future interplanetary space flight using fusion power.

Training Course for Power Operating Personnel. Lesson No. 6: Alternating-Current Generator Excitation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of the Interior, Denver, CO. Engineering and Research Center.

Subjects covered in this text are controlling the hydroelectric generator, generator excitation, basic principles of direct current generation, direction of current flow, basic alternating current generator, alternating and direct current voltage outputs, converting alternating current to direct current, review of the basic generator and…

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project: Current and advanced act control system definition study. Volume 2: Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanks, G. W.; Shomber, H. A.; Dethman, H. A.; Gratzer, L. B.; Maeshiro, A.; Gangsaas, D.; Blight, J. D.; Buchan, S. M.; Crumb, C. B.; Dorwart, R. J.

1981-01-01

The current status of the Active Controls Technology (ACT) for the advanced subsonic transport project is investigated through analysis of the systems technical data. Control systems technologies under examination include computerized reliability analysis, pitch axis fly by wire actuator, flaperon actuation system design trade study, control law synthesis and analysis, flutter mode control and gust load alleviation analysis, and implementation of alternative ACT systems. Extensive analysis of the computer techniques involved in each system is included.

The snow system: A decentralized medical data processing system.

PubMed

Bellika, Johan Gustav; Henriksen, Torje Starbo; Yigzaw, Kassaye Yitbarek

2015-01-01

Systems for large-scale reuse of electronic health record data is claimed to have the potential to transform the current health care delivery system. In principle three alternative solutions for reuse exist: centralized, data warehouse, and decentralized solutions. This chapter focuses on the decentralized system alternative. Decentralized systems may be categorized into approaches that move data to enable computations or move computations to the where data is located to enable computations. We describe a system that moves computations to where the data is located. Only this kind of decentralized solution has the capabilities to become ideal systems for reuse as the decentralized alternative enables computation and reuse of electronic health record data without moving or exposing the information to outsiders. This chapter describes the Snow system, which is a decentralized medical data processing system, its components and how it has been used. It also describes the requirements this kind of systems need to support to become sustainable and successful in recruiting voluntary participation from health institutions.

Transportation systems evaluation methodology development and applications, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuhlthau, A. R.; Jacobson, I. D.; Richards, L. C.

1981-01-01

Transportation systems or proposed changes in current systems are evaluated. Four principal evaluation criteria are incorporated in the process, operating performance characteristics as viewed by potential users, decisions based on the perceived impacts of the system, estimating what is required to reduce the system to practice; and predicting the ability of the concept to attract financial support. A series of matrix multiplications in which the various matrices represent evaluations in a logical sequence of the various discrete steps in a management decision process is used. One or more alternatives are compared with the current situation, and the result provides a numerical rating which determines the desirability of each alternative relative to the norm and to each other. The steps in the decision process are isolated so that contributions of each to the final result are readily analyzed. The ability to protect against bias on the part of the evaluators, and the fact that system parameters which are basically qualitative in nature can be easily included are advantageous.

Biasing and fast degaussing circuit for magnetic materials

DOEpatents

Dress, Jr., William B.; McNeilly, David R.

1984-01-01

A dual-function circuit is provided which may be used to both magnetically bias and alternately, quickly degauss a magnetic device. The circuit may be magnetically coupled or directly connected electrically to a magnetic device, such as a magnetostrictive transducer, to magnetically bias the device by applying a d.c. current and alternately apply a selectively damped a.c. current to the device to degauss the device. The circuit is of particular value in many systems which use magnetostrictive transducers for ultrasonic transmission in different propagation modes over very short time periods.

Biasing and fast degaussing circuit for magnetic materials

DOEpatents

Dress, W.B. Jr.; McNeilly, D.R.

1983-10-04

A dual-function circuit is provided which may be used to both magnetically bias and alternately, quickly degauss a magnetic device. The circuit may be magnetically coupled or directly connected electrically to a magnetic device, such as a magnetostrictive transducer, to magnetically bias the device by applying a dc current and alternately apply a selectively damped ac current to the device to degauss the device. The circuit is of particular value in many systems which use magnetostrictive transducers for ultrasonic transmission in different propagation modes over very short time periods.

Thermoelectric converters for alternating current standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anatychuk, L. I.; Taschuk, D. D.

2012-06-01

Thermoelectric converters of alternating current remain priority instruments when creating standard equipment. This work presents the results of design and manufacture of alternating current converter for a military standard of alternating current in Ukraine. Results of simulation of temperature distribution in converter elements, ways of optimization to improve the accuracy of alternating current signal reproduction are presented. Results of metrological trials are given. The quality of thermoelectric material specially created for alternating current metrology is verified. The converter was used in alternating current standard for the frequency range from 10 Hz to 30 MHz. The efficiency of using thermoelectric signal converters in measuring instruments is confirmed.

Exploring No-SQL alternatives for ALMA monitoring system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Tzu-Chiang; Soto, Ruben; Merino, Patricio; Peña, Leonel; Bartsch, Marcelo; Aguirre, Alvaro; Ibsen, Jorge

2014-07-01

The Atacama Large Millimeter /submillimeter Array (ALMA) will be a unique research instrument composed of at least 66 reconfigurable high-precision antennas, located at the Chajnantor plain in the Chilean Andes at an elevation of 5000 m. This paper describes the experience gained after several years working with the monitoring system, which has a strong requirement of collecting and storing up to 150K variables with a highest sampling rate of 20.8 kHz. The original design was built on top of a cluster of relational database server and network attached storage with fiber channel interface. As the number of monitoring points increases with the number of antennas included in the array, the current monitoring system demonstrated to be able to handle the increased data rate in the collection and storage area (only one month of data), but the data query interface showed serious performance degradation. A solution based on no-SQL platform was explored as an alternative to the current long-term storage system. Among several alternatives, mongoDB has been selected. In the data flow, intermediate cache servers based on Redis were introduced to allow faster streaming of the most recently acquired data to web based charts and applications for online data analysis.

Health Manpower Credentialing: Legal Implications of Institutional Licensure. Health Manpower Policy Discussion Paper Series No.: C3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crane, Stephen

The objective of this analysis is to outline in broad fashion the current trends and issues in the licensure of health manpower and to contrast two proposed alternative systems of credentialing that focus on licensure of health care institutions instead of individual health care providers. The argument of the analysis is that the current system of…

Description of the Prometheus Program Alternator/Thruster Integration Laboratory (ATIL)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baez, Anastacio N.; Birchenough, Arthur G.; Lebron-Velilla, Ramon C.; Gonzalez, Marcelo C.

2005-01-01

The Project Prometheus Alternator Electric Thruster Integration Laboratory's (ATIL) primary two objectives are to obtain test data to influence the power conversion and electric propulsion systems design, and to assist in developing the primary power quality specifications prior to system Preliminary Design Review (PDR). ATIL is being developed in stages or configurations of increasing fidelity and complexity in order to support the various phases of the Prometheus program. ATIL provides a timely insight of the electrical interactions between a representative Permanent Magnet Generator, its associated control schemes, realistic electric system loads, and an operating electric propulsion thruster. The ATIL main elements are an electrically driven 100 kWe Alternator Test Unit (ATU), an alternator controller using parasitic loads, and a thruster Power Processing Unit (PPU) breadboard. This paper describes the ATIL components, its development approach, preliminary integration test results, and current status.

Community Energy: A Social Architecture for an Alternative Energy Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoffman, Steven M.; High-Pippert, Angela

2005-01-01

Community energy based on a mix of distributed technologies offers a serious alternative to the current energy system. The nature of community energy and the role that such initiatives might play in the general fabric of civic life is not, however, well understood. Community energy initiatives might involve only those citizens who prefer to be…

Alternative Factor Models and Heritability of the Short Leyton Obsessional Inventory--Children's Version

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, Janette; Smith, Gillian W.; Shevlin, Mark; O'Neill, Francis A.

2010-01-01

An alternative models framework was used to test three confirmatory factor analytic models for the Short Leyton Obsessional Inventory-Children's Version (Short LOI-CV) in a general population sample of 517 young adolescent twins (11-16 years). A one-factor model as implicit in current classification systems of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD),…

Direct current uninterruptible power supply method and system

DOEpatents

Sinha, Gautam

2003-12-02

A method and system are described for providing a direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply with the method including, for example: continuously supplying fuel to a turbine; converting mechanical power from the turbine into alternating current (AC) electrical power; converting the AC electrical power to DC power within a predetermined voltage level range; supplying the DC power to a load; and maintaining a DC load voltage within the predetermined voltage level range by adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to the turbine.

A Review of Developments in Computer-Based Systems to Image Teeth and Produce Dental Restorations

PubMed Central

Rekow, E. Dianne; Erdman, Arthur G.; Speidel, T. Michael

1987-01-01

Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) make it possible to automate the creation of dental restorations. Currently practiced techniques are described. Three automated systems currently under development are described and compared. Advances in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) provide a new option for dentistry, creating an alternative technique for producing dental restorations. It is possible to create dental restorations that are automatically produced and meet or exceed current requirements for fit and occlusion.

The nature and evaluation of commercial expert system building tools, revision 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gevarter, William B.

1987-01-01

This memorandum reviews the factors that constitute an Expert System Building Tool (ESBT) and evaluates current tools in terms of these factors. Evaluation of these tools is based on their structure and their alternative forms of knowledge representation, inference mechanisms and developer end-user interfaces. Next, functional capabilities, such as diagnosis and design, are related to alternative forms of mechanization. The characteristics and capabilities of existing commercial tools are then reviewed in terms of these criteria.

Assessment of Alternate Thermal Protection Systems for the Space Shuttle Orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelly, H. N.; Webb, G. L.

1982-01-01

Candidate concepts are identified. The impact on the Shuttle Orbiter performance life cycle cost, and risk was assessed and technology advances required to bring the selected TPS to operational readiness are defined. The best system is shown to be a hybrid blend of metallic and carbon-carbon TPS concepts. These alternate concepts offer significant improvements in reusability and are mass competitive with the current ceramic tile reusable surface insulation. Programmatic analysis indicates approximately five years are required to bring the concepts to operational readiness.

FBI fingerprint identification automation study: AIDS 3 evaluation report. Volume 5: Current system evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mulhall, B. D. L.

1980-01-01

The performance, costs, organization and other characteristics of both the manual system and AIDS 2 were used to establish a baseline case. The results of the evaluation are to be used to determine the feasibility of the AIDS 3 System, as well as provide a basis for ranking alternative systems during the second phase of the JPL study. The results of the study were tabulated by subject, scope and methods, providing a descriptive, quantitative and qualitative analysis of the current operating systems employed by the FBI Identification Division.

Aternating current photovoltaic building block

DOEpatents

Bower, Ward Issac; Thomas, Michael G.; Ruby, Douglas S.

2004-06-15

A modular apparatus for and method of alternating current photovoltaic power generation comprising via a photovoltaic module, generating power in the form of direct current; and converting direct current to alternating current and exporting power via one or more power conversion and transfer units attached to the module, each unit comprising a unitary housing extending a length or width of the module, which housing comprises: contact means for receiving direct current from the module; one or more direct current-to-alternating current inverters; an alternating current bus; and contact means for receiving alternating current from the one or more inverters.

Laser interferometer used for nanometer vibration measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jiaxing; Yang, Jun; Liu, Zhihai; Yuan, Libo

2007-01-01

A novel laser interferometer which adopts alternating modulation phase tracking homodyne technique is proposed. The vibration of nanometer-accuracy is measured with the improved Michelson interferometer by adding cat's eye moving mirror and PZT phase modulation tracking structure. The working principle and the structure of the interferometer are analyzed and the demodulation scheme of alternating phase modulation and tracking is designed. The signal detection is changed from direct current detecting to alternating current detecting. The signal's frequency spectrum transform is achieved, the low-frequency noise jamming is abated, the Signal-to-Noise of the system is improved and the measured resolution is enhanced. Phase tracking technique effectively suppresses the low-frequency noise which is caused by outside environment factors such as temperature and vibration, and the stability of the system is enhanced. The experimental results indicate that for the signal with the frequency of 100Hz and the amplitude of 25nm, the output Signal-to-Noise is 30dB and the measured resolution is 1nm.

Transurethral ultrasound-guided laser-induced prostatectomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babayan, Richard K.; Roth, Robert A.

1991-07-01

A transurethral ultrasound-guided Nd:YAG laser delivery system has been developed for use as an alternative approach to the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The TULIP system has been extensively tested in canine models and is currently undergoing FDA trials in humans.

Classifying Wildfire Causes in the USDA Forest Service: Problems and Alternatives

Treesearch

Linda R. Donoghue

1982-01-01

Discusses problems associated with fire-cause data on USDA Forest Service wildfire reports, traces the historical development of wildfire-cause categories, and presents the pros and cons of retaining current wildfire-cause reporting systems or adopting new systems.

Regional Information System for Educators: Installation and Evaluation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kromer, Charles

This document describes the installation and evaluation of the Regional Information System within the Michigan-Ohio Regional Educational Laboratory (MOREL). MOREL is an agency established to develop and test alternatives to current educational practice under Title IV of ESEA. The Regional Information System was established to provide referrals to…

Systems Analysis of Alternative Architectures for Riverine Warfare in 2010

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

propose system of systems improvements for the RF in 2010. With the RF currently working to establish a command structure, train and equip its forces...opposing force. Measures of performance such as time to first enemy detection and loss exchange ratio were collected from MANA. A detailed statistical

Negligence, genuine error, and litigation

PubMed Central

Sohn, David H

2013-01-01

Not all medical injuries are the result of negligence. In fact, most medical injuries are the result either of the inherent risk in the practice of medicine, or due to system errors, which cannot be prevented simply through fear of disciplinary action. This paper will discuss the differences between adverse events, negligence, and system errors; the current medical malpractice tort system in the United States; and review current and future solutions, including medical malpractice reform, alternative dispute resolution, health courts, and no-fault compensation systems. The current political environment favors investigation of non-cap tort reform remedies; investment into more rational oversight systems, such as health courts or no-fault systems may reap both quantitative and qualitative benefits for a less costly and safer health system. PMID:23426783

System and method for charging electrochemical cells in series

DOEpatents

DeLuca, William H.; Hornstra, Jr, Fred; Gelb, George H.; Berman, Baruch; Moede, Larry W.

1980-01-01

A battery charging system capable of equalizing the charge of each individual cell at a selected full charge voltage includes means for regulating charger current to first increase current at a constant rate until a bulk charging level is achieved or until any cell reaches a safe reference voltage. A system controller then begins to decrease the charging rate as long as any cell exceeds the reference voltage until an equalization current level is reached. At this point, the system controller activates a plurality of shunt modules to permit shunting of current around any cell having a voltage exceeding the reference voltage. Leads extending between the battery of cells and shunt modules are time shared to permit alternate shunting of current and voltage monitoring without the voltage drop caused by the shunt current. After each cell has at one time exceeded the reference voltage, the charging current is terminated.

A simple simulation model as a tool to assess alternative health care provider payment reform options in Vietnam.

PubMed

Cashin, Cheryl; Phuong, Nguyen Khanh; Shain, Ryan; Oanh, Tran Thi Mai; Thuy, Nguyen Thi

2015-01-01

Vietnam is currently considering a revision of its 2008 Health Insurance Law, including the regulation of provider payment methods. This study uses a simple spreadsheet-based, micro-simulation model to analyse the potential impacts of different provider payment reform scenarios on resource allocation across health care providers in three provinces in Vietnam, as well as on the total expenditure of the provincial branches of the public health insurance agency (Provincial Social Security [PSS]). The results show that currently more than 50% of PSS spending is concentrated at the provincial level with less than half at the district level. There is also a high degree of financial risk on district hospitals with the current fund-holding arrangement. Results of the simulation model show that several alternative scenarios for provider payment reform could improve the current payment system by reducing the high financial risk currently borne by district hospitals without dramatically shifting the current level and distribution of PSS expenditure. The results of the simulation analysis provided an empirical basis for health policy-makers in Vietnam to assess different provider payment reform options and make decisions about new models to support health system objectives.

New Technique of AC drive in Tokamak using Permanent Magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matteucci, Jackson; Zolfaghari, Ali

2013-10-01

This study investigates a new technique of capturing the rotational energy of alternating permanent magnets in order to inductively drive an alternating current in tokamak devices. The use of rotational motion bypasses many of the pitfalls seen in typical inductive and non-inductive current drives. Three specific designs are presented and assessed in the following criteria: the profile of the current generated, the RMS loop voltage generated as compared to the RMS power required to maintain it, the system's feasibility from an engineering perspective. All of the analysis has been done under ideal E&M conditions using the Maxwell 3D program. Preliminary results indicate that it is possible to produce an over 99% purely toroidal current with a RMS d Φ/dt of over 150 Tm2/s, driven by 20 MW or less of rotational power. The proposed mechanism demonstrates several key advantages including an efficient mechanical drive system, the generation of pure toroidal currents, and the potential for a quasi-steady state fusion reactor. The following quantities are presented for various driving frequencies and magnet strengths: plasma current generated, loop voltage, torque and power required. This project has been supported by DOE Funding under the SULI program.

AEIS Policy vs. Site-Based Management: Research Agenda Implications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nash, John B.

This paper examines the problems of centralized academic-indicator systems in light of the move toward site-based management. Problems with current practice are examined in the framework of critical inquiry. Alternatives to current accountability guidelines are presented that harmonize positivism with critical inquiry, while respecting both local…

A Sporting Alternative to Tenure.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dworkin, James B.; Johnson, Robert W.

1979-01-01

A revamping of the operation of the current academic labor market by drawing upon the system found in professional sports is suggested. To stimulate thought, it is proposed that rules governing free agency, professor reservation, first refusal, trading, and salary arbitration be applied to higher education to replace current, outdated procedures.…

Successful Placement or Displacement in the Transition from School to Vocational Training: The Case of Lower Secondary School Pupils

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skrobanek, Jan; Reissig, Birgit; Muller, Matthias

2011-01-01

A system of qualification options has evolved that is complementary to company-based and school-based vocational training. Thus far, these alternatives have been largely disregarded by vocational education research. Yet with respect to the number of annual entries, those alternatives are currently nearly as significant as conventional vocational…

Cogeneration Technology Alternatives Study (CTAS). Volume 2: Analytical approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gerlaugh, H. E.; Hall, E. W.; Brown, D. H.; Priestley, R. R.; Knightly, W. F.

1980-01-01

The use of various advanced energy conversion systems were compared with each other and with current technology systems for their savings in fuel energy, costs, and emissions in individual plants and on a national level. The ground rules established by NASA and assumptions made by the General Electric Company in performing this cogeneration technology alternatives study are presented. The analytical methodology employed is described in detail and is illustrated with numerical examples together with a description of the computer program used in calculating over 7000 energy conversion system-industrial process applications. For Vol. 1, see 80N24797.

Fault current limiter and alternating current circuit breaker

DOEpatents

Boenig, Heinrich J.

1998-01-01

A solid-state circuit breaker and current limiter for a load served by an alternating current source having a source impedance, the solid-state circuit breaker and current limiter comprising a thyristor bridge interposed between the alternating current source and the load, the thyristor bridge having four thyristor legs and four nodes, with a first node connected to the alternating current source, and a second node connected to the load. A coil is connected from a third node to a fourth node, the coil having an impedance of a value calculated to limit the current flowing therethrough to a predetermined value. Control means are connected to the thyristor legs for limiting the alternating current flow to the load under fault conditions to a predetermined level, and for gating the thyristor bridge under fault conditions to quickly reduce alternating current flowing therethrough to zero and thereafter to maintain the thyristor bridge in an electrically open condition preventing the alternating current from flowing therethrough for a predetermined period of time.

Fault current limiter and alternating current circuit breaker

DOEpatents

Boenig, H.J.

1998-03-10

A solid-state circuit breaker and current limiter are disclosed for a load served by an alternating current source having a source impedance, the solid-state circuit breaker and current limiter comprising a thyristor bridge interposed between the alternating current source and the load, the thyristor bridge having four thyristor legs and four nodes, with a first node connected to the alternating current source, and a second node connected to the load. A coil is connected from a third node to a fourth node, the coil having an impedance of a value calculated to limit the current flowing therethrough to a predetermined value. Control means are connected to the thyristor legs for limiting the alternating current flow to the load under fault conditions to a predetermined level, and for gating the thyristor bridge under fault conditions to quickly reduce alternating current flowing therethrough to zero and thereafter to maintain the thyristor bridge in an electrically open condition preventing the alternating current from flowing therethrough for a predetermined period of time. 9 figs.

Recognition of the polycistronic nature of human genes is critical to understanding the genotype-phenotype relationship.

PubMed

Brunet, Marie A; Levesque, Sébastien A; Hunting, Darel J; Cohen, Alan A; Roucou, Xavier

2018-05-01

Technological advances promise unprecedented opportunities for whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses of populations. Currently, data from genome and exome sequencing or proteomic studies are searched against reference genome annotations. This provides the foundation for research and clinical screening for genetic causes of pathologies. However, current genome annotations substantially underestimate the proteomic information encoded within a gene. Numerous studies have now demonstrated the expression and function of alternative (mainly small, sometimes overlapping) ORFs within mature gene transcripts. This has important consequences for the correlation of phenotypes and genotypes. Most alternative ORFs are not yet annotated because of a lack of evidence, and this absence from databases precludes their detection by standard proteomic methods, such as mass spectrometry. Here, we demonstrate how current approaches tend to overlook alternative ORFs, hindering the discovery of new genetic drivers and fundamental research. We discuss available tools and techniques to improve identification of proteins from alternative ORFs and finally suggest a novel annotation system to permit a more complete representation of the transcriptomic and proteomic information contained within a gene. Given the crucial challenge of distinguishing functional ORFs from random ones, the suggested pipeline emphasizes both experimental data and conservation signatures. The addition of alternative ORFs in databases will render identification less serendipitous and advance the pace of research and genomic knowledge. This review highlights the urgent medical and research need to incorporate alternative ORFs in current genome annotations and thus permit their inclusion in hypotheses and models, which relate phenotypes and genotypes. © 2018 Brunet et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

A survey of stakeholder organisations on the proposed new European chemical policy.

PubMed

Dandrea, Jennifer; Combes, Robert

2006-03-01

In February 2001, the European Commission published a White Paper proposing that a single new system of chemical regulation should be applied throughout the Member States of the European Union. The proposed Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) system was to include both new and existing chemicals, with the aim of ensuring that sufficient pertinent data were made available to enable human health and the environment to be protected. The policy was founded on the principle of sustainable industrial development, and ambitiously attempted to incorporate the needs and views of key stakeholder organisations, such as industry, trade associations, consumer groups, environmentalists, animal welfarists and Member State governments. During the period between the publication of the White Paper and the on-line publication of consultation documents, as part of a public consultation exercise, in May 2003, many of these key stakeholder organisations produced material in support of or critical of the White Paper, either in part or as a whole. In this paper, we have attempted to review this extensive material and to present it in the context of the current chemical regulatory system that the REACH system will replace. Emphasis is placed on the impact of the new policy on the number of animals used in the testing regimes within the REACH system and the inclusion of alternative methods into the legislation. Although supportive of the overriding aims of the new policy, FRAME believes that the fundamental concept of a risk-free environment is flawed, and that the new REACH system will involve the unjustifiable use of millions of laboratory animals. The new policy does include alternative methods, particularly for base set substances. Nevertheless, alternative testing methods that are already available have been excluded and replaced with outdated in vivo versions. There is also insufficient detail with regard to the further development and validation of alternative methods, particularly for substances of high concern, such as endocrine disrupters or reproductive toxins, for which no alternative testing methods currently exist.

A survey of stakeholder organisations on the proposed new European chemicals policy.

PubMed

Dandrea, Jennifer; Combes, Robert D

2003-11-01

In February 2001, the European Commission published a White Paper proposing that a single new system of chemical regulation should be applied throughout the Member States of the European Union. The proposed Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) system was to include both new and existing chemicals, with the aim of ensuring that sufficient pertinent data were made available to enable human health and the environment to be protected. The policy was founded on the principle of sustainable industrial development, and ambitiously attempted to incorporate the needs and views of key stakeholder organisations, such as industry, trade associations, consumer groups, environmentalists, animal welfarists and Member State governments. During the period between the publication of the White Paper and the on-line publication of consultation documents, as part of a public consultation exercise, in May 2003, many of these key stakeholder organisations produced material in support of or critical of the White Paper, either in part or as a whole. In this paper, we have attempted to review this extensive material and to present it in the context of the current chemical regulatory system that the REACH system will replace. Emphasis is placed on the impact of the new policy on the number of animals used in the testing regimes within the REACH system and the inclusion of alternative methods into the legislation. Although supportive of the overriding aims of the new policy, FRAME believes that the fundamental concept of a risk-free environment is flawed, and that the new REACH system will involve the unjustifiable use of millions of laboratory animals. The new policy does include alternative methods, particularly for base-set substances. Nevertheless, alternative testing methods that are already available have been excluded and replaced with outdated in vivo versions. There is also insufficient detail with regard to the further development and validation of alternative methods, particularly for substances of high concern, such as endocrine disrupters or reproductive toxins, for which no alternative testing methods currently exist.

Evaluation of Aqueous and Powder Processing Techniques for Production of Pu-238-Fueled General Purpose Heat Sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

2008-06-01

This report evaluates alternative processes that could be used to produce Pu-238 fueled General Purpose Heat Sources (GPHS) for radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG). Fabricating GPHSs with the current process has remained essentially unchanged since its development in the 1970s. Meanwhile, 30 years of technological advancements have been made in the fields of chemistry, manufacturing, ceramics, and control systems. At the Department of Energy’s request, alternate manufacturing methods were compared to current methods to determine if alternative fabrication processes could reduce the hazards, especially the production of respirable fines, while producing an equivalent GPHS product. An expert committee performed the evaluationmore » with input from four national laboratories experienced in Pu-238 handling.« less

Methods for Estimating Environmental Effects and Constraints on NexGen: High Density Case Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Augustine, S.; Ermatinger, C.; Graham, M.; Thompson, T.

2010-01-01

This document provides a summary of the current methods developed by Metron Aviation for the estimate of environmental effects and constraints on the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). This body of work incorporates many of the key elements necessary to achieve such an estimate. Each section contains the background and motivation for the technical elements of the work, a description of the methods used, and possible next steps. The current methods described in this document were selected in an attempt to provide a good balance between accuracy and fairly rapid turn around times to best advance Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) System Modeling and Analysis Division (SMAD) objectives while also supporting the needs of the JPDO Environmental Working Group (EWG). In particular this document describes methods applied to support the High Density (HD) Case Study performed during the spring of 2008. A reference day (in 2006) is modeled to describe current system capabilities while the future demand is applied to multiple alternatives to analyze system performance. The major variables in the alternatives are operational/procedural capabilities for airport, terminal, and en route airspace along with projected improvements to airframe, engine and navigational equipment.

A Study of the Implementation of Current Cost Accounting in the Republic of Korea Army Procurement Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-06-01

financial reporting in Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) procurement. A discussion of the nature of the ROKA procurement system and two alternatives to historical cost financial statements are presented. The concepts, methods and procedures of the historical cost/constant dollars financial statements are described. The proposal for current cost/constant dollars financial statements is presented and emphasis is given to the description of four problems in existing ROKA procurement due to using inadequate accounting information. Keywords: Cost accounting, Procurement, Current

Electrical motor/generator drive apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Su, Gui Jia

2013-02-12

The present disclosure includes electrical motor/generator drive systems and methods that significantly reduce inverter direct-current (DC) bus ripple currents and thus the volume and cost of a capacitor. The drive methodology is based on a segmented drive system that does not add switches or passive components but involves reconfiguring inverter switches and motor stator winding connections in a way that allows the formation of multiple, independent drive units and the use of simple alternated switching and optimized Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) schemes to eliminate or significantly reduce the capacitor ripple current.

COMPARATIVE DISINFECTION EFFICIENCY OF PULSED AND CONTINUOUS-WAVE UV IRRADIATION TECHNOLOGIES

EPA Science Inventory

Pulsed UV (PUV) is novel UV irradiation system that is a non-mercury lamp based alternative to currently used continuous-wave systems for water disinfection. To compare the polychromatic PUV irradiation disinfection efficiency with that from continuous wave monochromatic low-pre...

Mapping and navigational control for a “smart” wheelchair.

PubMed

Schultz, Dana L; Shea, Kathleen M; Barrett, Steven F

2012-01-01

A “smart” wheelchair is in development to provide mobility to those unable to control a traditional wheelchair. A “smart” wheelchair is an autonomous machine with the ability to navigate a mapped environment while avoiding obstacles. The flexibility and complex design of “smart” wheelchairs have made those currently available expensive. Ongoing research at the University of Wyoming has been aimed at designing a cheaper, alternative control system that could be interfaced with a typical powered wheelchair. The goal of this project is to determine methods for mapping and navigational control for the wheelchair. The control system acquires data from eighteen sensors and uses the data to navigate around a pre-programmed map which is stored on a micro SD card. The control system also provides a user interface in the form of a touchscreen LCD. The designed system will be an easy-to-use and cost effective alternative to current “smart” wheelchair technology.

Current state of total artificial heart therapy and introduction of the most important total artificial heart systems.

PubMed

Spiliopoulos, Sotirios; Hergesell, Vera; Wasler, Andrae; Dapunt, Otto

2018-06-14

Due to the declining instances of organ donation, total artificial heart (TAH) therapy is of increasing importance for the management of end-stage biventricular heart failure. We introduce the currently most important established and novel TAH systems (SynCardia, CARMAT, ReinHeart, BiVACOR), report clinical outcomes and discuss technical requirements for the successful implementation of TAH therapy as an alternative to cardiac transplantation.

The Effectiveness of Rewards and Incentives for Teachers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kimball, Roland B.

This study examined (1) the rewards and incentive systems currently used in schools, (2) the relationship between the existing reward system and both the excellence of the school and the behavior of teachers and administrators in searching for alternatives, and (3) the possibility of defining a rewards system for teachers which would elicit…

75 FR 25224 - Energy Conservation Program for Commercial Equipment: Decision and Order Granting a Waiver to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-07

... systems. As a condition of this waiver, Daikin must use the alternate test procedure set forth in this... systems contain design characteristics that prevent them from being tested using the current DOE test.... The VRV-III-C systems have operational characteristics similar to other commercial multi-split...

46 CFR 129.120 - Alternative standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... or less may meet the following requirements of the American Yacht and Boat Council Projects, where applicable, instead of § 129.340 of this part: (1) E-1, Bonding of Direct Current Systems. (2) E-8, AC Electrical Systems on Boats. (3) E-9, DC Electrical Systems on Boats. (b) An OSV with an electrical...

30 CFR 75.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers. 75.900 Section 75.900 Mineral Resources MINE... Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers. [Statutory Provisions] Low- and medium-voltage power circuits serving three-phase alternating current...

Pricing strategies for capitated delivery systems

PubMed Central

Gruenberg, Leonard; Wallack, Stanley S.; Tompkins, Christopher P.

1986-01-01

This article discusses alternative methods for establishing a fairer pricing mechanism for Medicare recipients who enroll in health maintenance organizations and other competitive medical plans. The current method, based upon the adjusted average per capita cost, is inadequate because it fails to adjust premium levels for differences in health status; it establishes undesirable incentives that may lead to underservice, and it is tied to costs in the fee-for-service system. Alternative methods would incorporate health status, have Medicare share the risk with HMO's, and base payment on HMO experience. PMID:10311925

A Contingency in the Rosetta Reaction Control System: Alternative Cruise Trajectory Strategies to Cope with Degraded Delta-V Resources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauske, Rainer; Companys, Vincente

2007-01-01

Since August 2006 a pressure transducer of the Rosetta Reaction Control System (RCS) shows anomalous telemetries indicating a possible leak in a pressurant line. The future operation mode of the RCS may be affected by this problem, resulting in performance degradation. The current propellant budget and its future evolution are evaluated to show the possible states w.r.t. the required mission delta-V. Alternative cruise trajectory strategies are analyzed, providing delta-V savings, to compensate for the expected performance loss of the RCS.

Demonstrations of Alternative Delivery Systems Under Medicare and Medicaid

PubMed Central

Galblum, Trudi W.; Trieger, Sidney

1982-01-01

The current Administration supports competition as one method of helping to contain escalating costs. Proponents of competition claim many advantages to its implementation, but their claims have yet to be widely tested. Over the past several years, however, the Health Care Financing Administration has supported a number of Medicare and Medicaid demonstrations to yield information on plan participation, marketing, and reimbursement under alternative delivery systems. Much of these data are applicable to the competitive plans being considered by the Administration and Congress. This paper discusses recent findings from these projects. PMID:10309599

Permanent-magnet-less synchronous reluctance system

DOEpatents

Hsu, John S

2012-09-11

A permanent magnet-less synchronous system includes a stator that generates a magnetic revolving field when sourced by an alternating current. An uncluttered rotor is disposed within the magnetic revolving field and spaced apart from the stator to form an air gap relative to an axis of rotation. The rotor includes a plurality of rotor pole stacks having an inner periphery biased by single polarity of a north-pole field and a south-pole field, respectively. The outer periphery of each of the rotor pole stacks are biased by an alternating polarity.

Module Twelve: Series AC Resistive-Reactive Circuits; Basic Electricity and Electronics Individualized Learning System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC.

The module covers series circuits which contain both resistive and reactive components and methods of solving these circuits for current, voltage, impedance, and phase angle. The module is divided into six lessons: voltage and impedance in AC (alternating current) series circuits, vector computations, rectangular and polar notation, variational…

Power Conditioning for MEMS-Based Waste Vibrational Energy Harvester

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

circuits ...........................................................................................18 Figure 18. Full-wave passive MOSFET rectifier...ABBREVIATIONS AC Alternative Current AlN Aluminum Nitride DC Direct Current LIA Lock-In Amplifier MEMS Microelectromechanical Systems MOSFET ...efficiency is achieved when input voltage is over 2–3 V [14]. Using metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors ( MOSFETs ) in a rectifier instead of

Multisource energy system project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawson, R. W.; Cowan, R. A.

1987-03-01

The mission of this project is to investigate methods of providing uninterruptible power to Army communications and navigational facilities, many of which have limited access or are located in rugged terrain. Two alternatives are currently available for deploying terrestrial stand-alone power systems: (1) conventional electric systems powered by diesel fuel, propane, or natural gas, and (2) alternative power systems using renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics (PV) or wind turbines (WT). The increased cost of fuels for conventional systems and the high cost of energy storage for single-source renewable energy systems have created interest in the hybrid or multisource energy system. This report will provide a summary of the first and second interim reports, final test results, and a user's guide for software that will assist in applying and designing multi-source energy systems.

A Lymph Node Staging System for Gastric Cancer: A Hybrid Type Based on Topographic and Numeric Systems.

PubMed

Choi, Yoon Young; An, Ji Yeong; Katai, Hitoshi; Seto, Yasuyuki; Fukagawa, Takeo; Okumura, Yasuhiro; Kim, Dong Wook; Kim, Hyoung-Il; Cheong, Jae-Ho; Hyung, Woo Jin; Noh, Sung Hoon

2016-01-01

Although changing a lymph node staging system from an anatomically based system to a numerically based system in gastric cancer offers better prognostic performance, several problems can arise: it does not offer information on the anatomical extent of disease and cannot represent the extent of lymph node dissection. The purpose of this study was to discover an alternative lymph node staging system for gastric cancer. Data from 6025 patients who underwent gastrectomy for primary gastric cancer between January 2000 and December 2010 were reviewed. The lymph node groups were reclassified into lesser-curvature, greater-curvature, and extra-perigastric groups. Presence of any metastatic lymph node in one group was considered positive. Lymph node groups were further stratified into four (new N0-new N3) according to the number of positive lymph node groups. Survival outcomes with this new N staging were compared with those of the current TNM system. For validation, two centers in Japan (large center, n = 3443; medium center, n = 560) were invited. Even among the same pN stages, the more advanced new N stage showed worse prognosis, indicating that the anatomical extent of metastatic lymph nodes is important. The prognostic performance of the new staging system was as good as that of the current TNM system for overall advanced gastric cancer as well as lymph node-positive gastric cancer (Harrell C-index was 0.799, 0.726, and 0.703 in current TNM and 0.799, 0.727, and 0.703 in new TNM stage). Validation sets supported these outcomes. The new N staging system demonstrated prognostic performance equal to that of the current TNM system and could thus be used as an alternative.

Economic Impacts on Gateway Communities Resulting from the Introduction of Transportation Systems in Parks.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-01-10

The National Park Service (NPS) currently has 108 alternative transportation systems (ATS) at more than 90 park units, ranging from shuttle buses to ferries. The purpose of this study is to examine the economic impacts, both positive and negative, th...

A Review of Advanced Sewer System Design Technologies (WERF Report INFR4SG09d)

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract: This document seeks to collect into one place current and new technologies about sewerage system design. The document organizes the information found in the 295 documents that were reviewed into six subject areas: Advanced Onsite Technologies; Alternative Wastewater C...

Cost Benefit Analysis of Enterprise Resource Planning System for the Naval Postgraduate School

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-06-01

Department-wide introduction and use of appropriate commercial financial practices and reporting • Develop a strategic plan for implementing a business... Development of a process innovation approach given the current capabilities of the system, recommend possible alternatives to close gaps. E

30 CFR 77.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... portable or mobile three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers. 77.900 Section 77.900... mobile three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers. Low- and medium-voltage circuits supplying power to portable or mobile three-phase alternating current equipment shall be protected by...

Flow cytometry for enrichment and titration in massively parallel DNA sequencing

PubMed Central

Sandberg, Julia; Ståhl, Patrik L.; Ahmadian, Afshin; Bjursell, Magnus K.; Lundeberg, Joakim

2009-01-01

Massively parallel DNA sequencing is revolutionizing genomics research throughout the life sciences. However, the reagent costs and labor requirements in current sequencing protocols are still substantial, although improvements are continuously being made. Here, we demonstrate an effective alternative to existing sample titration protocols for the Roche/454 system using Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) technology to determine the optimal DNA-to-bead ratio prior to large-scale sequencing. Our method, which eliminates the need for the costly pilot sequencing of samples during titration is capable of rapidly providing accurate DNA-to-bead ratios that are not biased by the quantification and sedimentation steps included in current protocols. Moreover, we demonstrate that FACS sorting can be readily used to highly enrich fractions of beads carrying template DNA, with near total elimination of empty beads and no downstream sacrifice of DNA sequencing quality. Automated enrichment by FACS is a simple approach to obtain pure samples for bead-based sequencing systems, and offers an efficient, low-cost alternative to current enrichment protocols. PMID:19304748

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation: A Potential Risk for Genetic Generalized Epilepsy Patients (Study Case)

PubMed Central

San-Juan, Daniel; Sarmiento, Carlos Ignacio; Hernandez-Ruiz, Axel; Elizondo-Zepeda, Ernesto; Santos-Vázquez, Gabriel; Reyes-Acevedo, Gerardo; Zúñiga-Gazcón, Héctor; Zamora-Jarquín, Carol Marina

2016-01-01

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a re-emergent neuromodulation technique that consists in the external application of oscillating electrical currents that induces changes in cortical excitability. We present the case of a 16-year-old female with pharmaco-resistant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy to 3 antiepileptic’s drugs characterized by 4 myoclonic and 20 absence seizures monthly. She received tACS at 1 mA at 3 Hz pulse train during 60 min over Fp1–Fp2 (10–20 EEG international system position) during 4 consecutive days using an Endeavor™ IOM Systems device® (Natus Medical Incorporated, Middleton, WI, USA). At the 1-month follow-up, she reported a 75% increase in seizures frequency (only myoclonic and tonic–clonic events) and developed a 24-h myoclonic status epilepticus that resolved with oral clonazepam and intravenous valproate. At the 2-month follow-up, the patient reported a 15-day seizure-free period. PMID:27965623

Alternative, complementary and traditional medicine in Malaysia.

PubMed

Talib, N

2006-09-01

This paper sets out the practice of traditional, alternative and/or complementary medicine in Malaysia. It gives an overview of the types of alternative medicine available, and the legal regulation, or lack of it within the current setting. The relevant policies and governmental action in this area are highlighted. Relevant case law decisions in this area are also included. The practice of spiritual healing as one form of traditional medicine, and its role within the spectrum of alternative medicine is dealt with briefly. The significant question of integration of alternative medicine within the existing allopathic system is addressed. The paper concludes that as interest in, and usage of alternative medicine is not likely to decrease, certain measures must be taken by the relevant authorities to ensure among others, the safety and efficacy of these medicines.

A novel automated alternating current biosusceptometry method to characterization of controlled-release magnetic floating tablets of metronidazole.

PubMed

Ferrari, Priscileila Colerato; dos Santos Grossklauss, Dany Bruno Borella; Alvarez, Matheus; Paixão, Fabiano Carlos; Andreis, Uilian; Crispim, Alexandre Giordano; de Castro, Ana Dóris; Evangelista, Raul Cesar; de Arruda Miranda, José Ricardo

2014-08-01

Alternating Current Biosusceptometry is a magnetically method used to characterize drug delivery systems. This work presents a system composed by an automated ACB sensor to acquire magnetic images of floating tablets. The purpose of this study was to use an automated Alternating Current Biosusceptometry (ACB) to characterize magnetic floating tablets for controlled drug delivery. Floating tablets were prepared with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as hydrophilic gel material, sodium bicarbonate as gas-generating agent and ferrite as magnetic marker. ACB was used to characterize the floating lag time and the tablet hydration rate, by quantification of the magnetic images to magnetic area. Besides the buoyancy, the floating tablets were evaluated for weight uniformity, hardness, swelling and in vitro drug release. The optimized tablets were prepared with equal amounts of HPMC and ferrite, and began to float within 4 min, maintaining the flotation during more than 24 h. The data of all physical parameters lied within the pharmacopeial limits. Drug release at 24 h was about 40%. The ACB results showed that this study provided a new approach for in vitro investigation of controlled-release dosage forms. Moreover, using automated ACB will also be possible to test these parameters in humans allowing to establish an in vitro.in vivo correlation (IVIVC).

Water management in Egypt for facing the future challenges

PubMed Central

Omar, Mohie El Din M.; Moussa, Ahmed M.A.

2016-01-01

The current water shortage in Egypt is 13.5 Billion cubic meter per year (BCM/yr) and is expected to continuously increase. Currently, this water shortage is compensated by drainage reuse which consequently deteriorates the water quality. Therefore, this research was commenced with the objective of assessing different scenarios for 2025 using the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model and by implementing different water sufficiency measures. Field data were assembled and analyzed, and different planning alternatives were proposed and tested in order to design three future scenarios. The findings indicated that water shortage in 2025 would be 26 BCM/yr in case of continuation of current policies. Planning alternatives were proposed to the irrigation canals, land irrigation timing, aquatic weeds in waterways and sugarcane areas in old agricultural lands. Other measures were suggested to pumping rates of deep groundwater, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems in new agricultural lands. Further measures were also suggested to automatic daily surveying for distribution leak and managing the pressure effectively in the domestic and industrial water distribution systems. Finally, extra measures for water supply were proposed including raising the permitted withdrawal limit from deep groundwater and the Nubian aquifer and developing the desalination resource. The proposed planning alternatives would completely eliminate the water shortage in 2025. PMID:27222745

Water management in Egypt for facing the future challenges.

PubMed

Omar, Mohie El Din M; Moussa, Ahmed M A

2016-05-01

The current water shortage in Egypt is 13.5 Billion cubic meter per year (BCM/yr) and is expected to continuously increase. Currently, this water shortage is compensated by drainage reuse which consequently deteriorates the water quality. Therefore, this research was commenced with the objective of assessing different scenarios for 2025 using the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model and by implementing different water sufficiency measures. Field data were assembled and analyzed, and different planning alternatives were proposed and tested in order to design three future scenarios. The findings indicated that water shortage in 2025 would be 26 BCM/yr in case of continuation of current policies. Planning alternatives were proposed to the irrigation canals, land irrigation timing, aquatic weeds in waterways and sugarcane areas in old agricultural lands. Other measures were suggested to pumping rates of deep groundwater, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems in new agricultural lands. Further measures were also suggested to automatic daily surveying for distribution leak and managing the pressure effectively in the domestic and industrial water distribution systems. Finally, extra measures for water supply were proposed including raising the permitted withdrawal limit from deep groundwater and the Nubian aquifer and developing the desalination resource. The proposed planning alternatives would completely eliminate the water shortage in 2025.

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

30 CFR 77.905 - Connection of single-phase loads.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... COAL MINES Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.905 Connection of single-phase loads. Single-phase loads shall be connected phase-to-phase in resistance grounded systems. ...

Accelerated Hydrolysis of Aspirin Using Alternating Magnetic Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinscheid, Uwe M.

2009-08-01

The major problem of current drug-based therapy is selectivity. As in other areas of science, a combined approach might improve the situation decisively. The idea is to use the pro-drug principle together with an alternating magnetic field as physical stimulus, which can be applied in a spatially and temporarily controlled manner. As a proof of principle, the neutral hydrolysis of aspirin in physiological phosphate buffer of pH 7.5 at 40 °C was chosen. The sensor and actuator system is a commercially available gold nanoparticle (NP) suspension which is approved for animal usage, stable in high concentrations and reproducibly available. Applying the alternating magnetic field of a conventional NMR magnet system accelerated the hydrolysis of aspirin in solution.

Direct current power delivery system and method

DOEpatents

Zhang, Di; Garces, Luis Jose; Dai, Jian; Lai, Rixin

2016-09-06

A power transmission system includes a first unit for carrying out the steps of receiving high voltage direct current (HVDC) power from an HVDC power line, generating an alternating current (AC) component indicative of a status of the first unit, and adding the AC component to the HVDC power line. Further, the power transmission system includes a second unit for carrying out the steps of generating a direct current (DC) voltage to transfer the HVDC power on the HVDC power line, wherein the HVDC power line is coupled between the first unit and the second unit, detecting a presence or an absence of the added AC component in the HVDC power line, and determining the status of the first unit based on the added AC component.

Construction and evaluation of photovoltaic power generation and power storage system using SiC field-effect transistor inverter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oku, Takeo, E-mail: oku@mat.usp.ac.jp; Matsumoto, Taisuke; Ohishi, Yuya

A power storage system using spherical silicon (Si) solar cells, maximum power point tracking charge controller, lithium-ion battery and a direct current-alternating current (DC-AC) inverter was constructed. Performance evaluation of the DC-AC inverter was carried out, and the DC-AC conversion efficiencies of the SiC field-effect transistor (FET) inverter was improved compared with those of the ordinary Si-FET based inverter.

Results of the Alternative Water Processor Test, A Novel Technology for Exploration Wastewater Remediation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Caitlin E.; Pensinger, Stuart; Adam, Niklas; Pickering, Karen D.; Barta, Daniel; Shull, Sarah A.; Vega, Leticia M.; Lange, Kevin; Christenson, Dylan; Jackson, W. Andrew

2016-01-01

Biologically-based water recovery systems are a regenerative, low energy alternative to physiochemical processes to reclaim water from wastewater. This report summarizes the results of the Alternative Water Processor (AWP) Integrated Test, conducted from June 2013 until April 2014. The system was comprised of four (4) membrane aerated bioreactors (MABRs) to remove carbon and nitrogen from an exploration mission wastewater and a coupled forward and reverse osmosis system to remove large organic and inorganic salts from the biological system effluent. The system exceeded the overall objectives of the test by recovering 90% of the influent wastewater processed into a near potable state and a 64% reduction of consumables from the current state of the art water recovery system on the International Space Station (ISS). However, the biological system fell short of its test goals, failing to remove 75% and 90% of the influent ammonium and organic carbon, respectively. Despite not meeting its test goals, the BWP demonstrated the feasibility of an attached-growth biological system for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, an innovative, volume- and consumable-saving design that does not require toxic pretreatment.

77 FR 75612 - New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-21

..., focusing on the section pertaining to modifications to the current days-at-sea (DAS) trip limit management system, including alternatives for establishing a monkfish DAS leasing program. The recommendations of...

77 FR 42699 - New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-20

... such, this meeting will focus on potential modifications to the current days-at-sea (DAS) management system, including alternatives to enable DAS leasing, and on approaches to integrate monkfish into the...

Comparing the costs of three prostate cancer follow-up strategies: a cost minimisation analysis.

PubMed

Pearce, Alison M; Ryan, Fay; Drummond, Frances J; Thomas, Audrey Alforque; Timmons, Aileen; Sharp, Linda

2016-02-01

Prostate cancer follow-up is traditionally provided by clinicians in a hospital setting. Growing numbers of prostate cancer survivors mean that this model of care may not be economically sustainable, and a number of alternative approaches have been suggested. The aim of this study was to develop an economic model to compare the costs of three alternative strategies for prostate cancer follow-up in Ireland-the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines, the National Institute of Health Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and current practice. A cost minimisation analysis was performed using a Markov model with three arms (EAU guidelines, NICE guidelines and current practice) comparing follow-up for men with prostate cancer treated with curative intent. The model took a health care payer's perspective over a 10-year time horizon. Current practice was the least cost efficient arm of the model, the NICE guidelines were most cost efficient (74 % of current practice costs) and the EAU guidelines intermediate (92 % of current practice costs). For the 2562 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 2009, the Irish health care system could have saved €760,000 over a 10-year period if the NICE guidelines were adopted. This is the first study investigating costs of prostate cancer follow-up in the Irish setting. While economic models are designed as a simplification of complex real-world situations, these results suggest potential for significant savings within the Irish health care system associated with implementation of alternative models of prostate cancer follow-up care.

SNAP-8 power conversion system design review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lopez, L. P.

1970-01-01

The conceptual design of the SNAP-8 electrical generating system configurations are reviewed including the evolution of the PCS configuration, and the current concepts. The reliabilities of two alternative PCS-G heat rejection loop configurations with two radiator design concepts are also reviewed. A computer program for calculating system pressure loss using multiple-loop flow analysis is included.

Effect of Sidewall Configurations on Hypersonic Intake Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seihwan; Park, Ji Hyun; Jeung, In-Seuck; Lee, Hyoung Jin

For reusable space launchers and hypersonic flight vehicles, use of an air-breathing propulsion system with supersonic combustion is the most promising option in terms of cost effectiveness. At this point, only the scramjet propulsion system provides a real alternative to expensive rocket driven systems, which currently are the only way to reach a hypersonics speeds.

75 FR 39303 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; BATS Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-08

.... DART. DART is a routing option currently offered by the Exchange in which the entering firm instructs the System to first route to alternative trading systems included in the System routing table. DART... . Please include File No. SR-BATS-2010-017 on the subject line. Paper Comments Send paper comments in...

Psychological and sociological research and the decriminalization or legalization of prostitution.

PubMed

Rio, L M

1991-04-01

In maintaining criminal prohibitions on prostitution and prostitution-related activity, the United States has ignored the two alternative approaches successfully invoked in many other countries: legalization and decriminalization of prostitution. This article questions the justifications usually advanced in favor of criminal sanctions and against the two alternatives. Studies of prostitutes and their clients, as well as larger societal studies, undercut the arguments against decriminalization and legalization, and reveal that none of the traditional goals of imposing criminal sanctions (punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation) are furthered by the current prohibition of prostitution. These studies also reveal the advantages offered by a system of decriminalized or legalized prostitution. Further policy arguments for the removal of such sanctions are discussed and legal arguments are offered to attempt to limit the reach of current criminal prostitution laws while the present system remains in effect.

A Plan For a Publication Network For Rapid Dissemination of Technical Information.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacLachlan, James

This paper describes an alternative to current information dissemination systems (letter journals), computerized information systems, and clearinghouse operations) that would establish a network of depositories at universities and research organizations. The essence of the approach is to provide convenient access to working papers and technical…

Proceedings of a Conference on Medical Information Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Health Services and Mental Health Administration (DHEW), Bethesda, MD.

The purposes of this conference are: to define the current state of technology; to identify the problems, needs and emerging technology; and to consider alternative computer applications to multiple-facility medical information systems for the delivery of medical care and for health services research. The papers presented include: (1) General…

Alternative Solvents and Technologies for Precision Cleaning of Aerospace Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grandelli, Heather; Maloney, Phillip; DeVor, Robert; Hintze, Paul

2014-01-01

Precision cleaning solvents for aerospace components and oxygen fuel systems, including currently used Vertrel-MCA, have a negative environmental legacy, high global warming potential, and have polluted cleaning sites. Thus, alternative solvents and technologies are being investigated with the aim of achieving precision contamination levels of less than 1 mg/sq ft. The technologies being evaluated are ultrasonic bath cleaning, plasma cleaning and supercritical carbon dioxide cleaning.

SEU System Analysis: Not Just the Sum of All Parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berg, Melanie D.; Label, Kenneth

2014-01-01

Single event upset (SEU) analysis of complex systems is challenging. Currently, system SEU analysis is performed by component level partitioning and then either: the most dominant SEU cross-sections (SEUs) are used in system error rate calculations; or the partition SEUs are summed to eventually obtain a system error rate. In many cases, system error rates are overestimated because these methods generally overlook system level derating factors. The problem with overestimating is that it can cause overdesign and consequently negatively affect the following: cost, schedule, functionality, and validation/verification. The scope of this presentation is to discuss the risks involved with our current scheme of SEU analysis for complex systems; and to provide alternative methods for improvement.

Module Two: Voltage; Basic Electricity and Electronics Individualized Learning System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC.

In this module the student will study and learn what voltage is, how it is generated, what AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) are and why both kinds are needed, and how to measure voltages. The module is divided into six lessons: EMF (electromotive force) from chemical action, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, AC voltage, the…

The Potential That Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Can be a Disruptive Technology: Results From a National Survey.

PubMed

Pechacek, Terry F; Nayak, Pratibha; Gregory, Kyle R; Weaver, Scott R; Eriksen, Michael P

2016-10-01

This study evaluates the reasons for use and acceptance of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) among current and former cigarette smokers to assess if ENDS may become a satisfying alternative to cigarettes. Data are from a national probability sample of 5717 US adults, surveyed June-November 2014. The survey contained questions on awareness, usage, and reasons for use of traditional and novel tobacco products. The analytic sample was current and former smokers who ever used ENDS (n = 729) and was divided into four mutually exclusive categories. Among the 585 current smokers, 337 were no longer using ENDS ("E-Cig Rejecters"), and 248 were continuing to use both ENDS and cigarettes ("E-Cig Dual Users"). Among 144 former cigarette smokers, 101 were non-recent users of ENDS ("Quit All Products"), and 43 were continuing to use ENDS exclusively ("Switchers"). Former smokers (the "Switchers") report finding ENDS a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes, with only 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-27.1) rating ENDS as less enjoyable than regular cigarettes. However, greater than fivefold more current smokers did not find them satisfying and stopped using them (77.3%; 95% CI 72.1-82.4 of "E-Cig Rejecters" rated ENDS as less enjoyable). Being less harmful was the most highly rated reason for continuing to use ENDS among "Switchers." Most (80.9%) "Switchers" reported that ENDS helped them quit cigarettes. Since many current smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes, ENDS will not replace regular cigarettes unless they improve. Since about one-half of recent former smokers are trying ENDS with about one-fourth continuing to use them, and many reporting that these products have helped them quit regular cigarettes, the potential impact of ENDS on population quit rates deserves continued surveillance. However, since most current smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes, the potential of ENDS becoming a disruptive technology replacing regular cigarettes remains uncertain. ENDS need to improve as a satisfying alternative or the attractiveness and appeal of the regular cigarette must be degraded to increase the potential of ENDS replacing regular cigarettes. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.

The Potential That Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Can be a Disruptive Technology: Results From a National Survey

PubMed Central

Nayak, Pratibha; Gregory, Kyle R.; Weaver, Scott R.; Eriksen, Michael P.

2016-01-01

Introduction: This study evaluates the reasons for use and acceptance of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) among current and former cigarette smokers to assess if ENDS may become a satisfying alternative to cigarettes. Methods: Data are from a national probability sample of 5717 US adults, surveyed June–November 2014. The survey contained questions on awareness, usage, and reasons for use of traditional and novel tobacco products. The analytic sample was current and former smokers who ever used ENDS (n = 729) and was divided into four mutually exclusive categories. Among the 585 current smokers, 337 were no longer using ENDS (“E-Cig Rejecters”), and 248 were continuing to use both ENDS and cigarettes (“E-Cig Dual Users”). Among 144 former cigarette smokers, 101 were non-recent users of ENDS (“Quit All Products”), and 43 were continuing to use ENDS exclusively (“Switchers”). Results: Former smokers (the “Switchers”) report finding ENDS a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes, with only 15.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4–27.1) rating ENDS as less enjoyable than regular cigarettes. However, greater than fivefold more current smokers did not find them satisfying and stopped using them (77.3%; 95% CI 72.1–82.4 of “E-Cig Rejecters” rated ENDS as less enjoyable). Being less harmful was the most highly rated reason for continuing to use ENDS among “Switchers.” Most (80.9%) “Switchers” reported that ENDS helped them quit cigarettes. Conclusion: Since many current smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes, ENDS will not replace regular cigarettes unless they improve. Implications: Since about one-half of recent former smokers are trying ENDS with about one-fourth continuing to use them, and many reporting that these products have helped them quit regular cigarettes, the potential impact of ENDS on population quit rates deserves continued surveillance. However, since most current smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes, the potential of ENDS becoming a disruptive technology replacing regular cigarettes remains uncertain. ENDS need to improve as a satisfying alternative or the attractiveness and appeal of the regular cigarette must be degraded to increase the potential of ENDS replacing regular cigarettes. PMID:27142201

ReRouting biomedical innovation: observations from a mapping of the alternative research and development (R&D) landscape.

PubMed

Greenberg, Alexandra; Kiddell-Monroe, Rachel

2016-09-14

In recent years, the world has witnessed the tragic outcomes of multiple global health crises. From Ebola to high prices to antibiotic resistance, these events highlight the fundamental constraints of the current biomedical research and development (R&D) system in responding to patient needs globally.To mitigate this lack of responsiveness, over 100 self-identified "alternative" R&D initiatives, have emerged in the past 15 years. To begin to make sense of this panoply of initiatives working to overcome the constraints of the current system, UAEM began an extensive, though not comprehensive, mapping of the alternative biomedical R&D landscape. We developed a two phase approach: (1) an investigation, via the RE:Route Mapping, of both existing and proposed initiatives that claim to offer an alternative approach to R&D, and (2) evaluation of those initiatives to determine which are in fact achieving increased access to and innovation in medicines. Through phase 1, the RE:Route Mapping, we examined 81 initiatives that claim to redress the inequity perpetuated by the current system via one of five commonly recognized mechanisms necessary for truly alternative R&D.Preliminary analysis of phase 1 provides the following conclusions: 1. No initiative presents a completely alternative model of biomedical R&D. 2. The majority of initiatives focus on developing incentives for drug discovery. 3. The majority of initiatives focus on rare diseases or diseases of the poor and marginalized. 4. There is an increasing emphasis on the use of push, pull, pool, collaboration and open mechanisms alongside the concept of delinkage in alternative R&D. 5. There is a trend towards public funding and launching of initiatives by the Global South. Given the RE:Route Mapping's inevitable limitations and the assumptions made in its methodology, it is not intended to be the final word on a constantly evolving and complex field; however, its findings are significant. The Mapping's value lies in its timely and unique insight into the importance of ongoing efforts to develop a new global framework for biomedical R&D. As we progress to phase 2, an evaluation tool for initiatives focused on identifying which approaches have truly achieved increased innovation and access for patients, we aim to demonstrate that there are a handful of initiatives which represent some, but not all, of the building blocks for a new approach to R&D.Through this mapping and our forthcoming evaluation, UAEM aims to initiate an evidence-based conversation around a truly alternative biomedical R&D model that serves people rather than profits.

100-kA vacuum current breaker of a modular design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, V. P.; Vozdvijenskii, V. A.; Jagnov, V. A.; Solodovnikov, S. G.; Mazulin, A. V.; Ryjkov, V. M.

1994-05-01

Direct current breaker of a modular design is developed for the strong field tokamak power supply system. The power supply system comprises four 800 MW alternative current generators with 4 GJ flywheels, thyristor rectifiers providing inductive stores pumping by a current up to 100 kA for 1 - 4 sec. To form current pulses of various shapes in the tokamak windings current breakers are used with either pneumatic or explosive drive, at a current switching synchronously of not worse than 100 mks. Current breakers of these types require that the current conducting elements be replaced after each shot. For recent years vacuum arc quenching chambers with an axial magnetic field are successfully employed as repetitive performance current breakers, basically for currents up to 40 kA. In the report some results of researches of a vacuum switch modular are presented which we used as prototype switch for currents of the order of 100 kA.

Molten salt electrolyte separator

DOEpatents

Kaun, Thomas D.

1996-01-01

A molten salt electrolyte/separator for battery and related electrochemical systems including a molten electrolyte composition and an electrically insulating solid salt dispersed therein, to provide improved performance at higher current densities and alternate designs through ease of fabrication.

Evaluation of alternatives to sound barrier walls.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-06-01

The existing INDOTs noise wall specification was developed primarily on the basis of knowledge of the conventional precast concrete : panel systems. Currently, the constructed cost of conventional noise walls is approximately $2 million per linear...

30 CFR 75.902-4 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits... from resistance grounded systems separate connections shall be used when practicable. ...

30 CFR 75.902-4 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits... from resistance grounded systems separate connections shall be used when practicable. ...

30 CFR 75.902-4 - Attachment of ground conductors and ground check wires to equipment frames; use of separate...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits... from resistance grounded systems separate connections shall be used when practicable. ...

Ecology of Fungus Gnats (Bradysia spp.) in Greenhouse Production Systems Associated with Disease-Interactions and Alternative Management Strategies.

PubMed

Cloyd, Raymond A

2015-04-09

Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) are major insect pests of greenhouse-grown horticultural crops mainly due to the direct feeding damage caused by the larvae, and the ability of larvae to transmit certain soil-borne plant pathogens. Currently, insecticides and biological control agents are being used successively to deal with fungus gnat populations in greenhouse production systems. However, these strategies may only be effective as long as greenhouse producers also implement alternative management strategies such as cultural, physical, and sanitation. This includes elimination of algae, and plant and growing medium debris; placing physical barriers onto the growing medium surface; and using materials that repel fungus gnat adults. This article describes the disease-interactions associated with fungus gnats and foliar and soil-borne diseases, and the alternative management strategies that should be considered by greenhouse producers in order to alleviate problems with fungus gnats in greenhouse production systems.

Ecology of Fungus Gnats (Bradysia spp.) in Greenhouse Production Systems Associated with Disease-Interactions and Alternative Management Strategies

PubMed Central

Cloyd, Raymond A.

2015-01-01

Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) are major insect pests of greenhouse-grown horticultural crops mainly due to the direct feeding damage caused by the larvae, and the ability of larvae to transmit certain soil-borne plant pathogens. Currently, insecticides and biological control agents are being used successively to deal with fungus gnat populations in greenhouse production systems. However, these strategies may only be effective as long as greenhouse producers also implement alternative management strategies such as cultural, physical, and sanitation. This includes elimination of algae, and plant and growing medium debris; placing physical barriers onto the growing medium surface; and using materials that repel fungus gnat adults. This article describes the disease-interactions associated with fungus gnats and foliar and soil-borne diseases, and the alternative management strategies that should be considered by greenhouse producers in order to alleviate problems with fungus gnats in greenhouse production systems. PMID:26463188

Survey of egg farmers regarding the ban on conventional cages in the EU and their opinion of alternative layer housing systems in Flanders, Belgium.

PubMed

Stadig, L M; Ampe, B A; Van Gansbeke, S; Van den Bogaert, T; D'Haenens, E; Heerkens, J L T; Tuyttens, F A M

2016-03-01

On 1 January 2012, conventional cages for laying hens were banned in the European Union (EU); all egg farmers must now use alternative hen housing systems. In total, 218 Flemish egg farmers were surveyed in 2013 to 2014 regarding which housing systems they currently use, their degree of satisfaction with the system, and how they experienced the transition from conventional cages to an alternative system. The response rate was 58.3% (127 respondents). Of these, 43 (33.9%) were no longer active as an egg farmer, mainly due to the ban on conventional cages. The respondents who were active as egg farmers both before and after the transition (84, 66.1%) mainly judged the ban as negative for their own finances and for the competitive position of the Belgian egg industry, but were neutral or positive regarding the general consequences for their own business. Most respondents' hens were housed in either aviary systems (47.7%) or in alternative cage systems (38.2%). When choosing a new system, the fit into the farm and consumer demand were the most important factors. Consumer demand was the main reason for choosing a system with free-range access. In general, egg farmers were satisfied with the system they chose, although this differs between systems. When asked to compare the alternative systems to conventional cages, alternatives were judged to be better for hen welfare and consumer demand, but similar or worse for all other aspects, especially labor. Egg farmers previously using conventional cages judged alternative systems more negatively than those who had no prior experience with conventional cages. Farmers who had experience with free-range systems judged these more positively than those without this experience, e.g., for egg consumer demand, profitability, and hen welfare. These results can possibly be extrapolated to other EU countries in which conventional cages were the most common housing system until 2012, and lessons can be drawn from the farmers' experiences when implementing other animal welfare legislation that may require similar far-reaching adaptations for primary production. © 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.

A validation study of an alternate state science assessment: Alignment of the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) science assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heh, Peter

The current study examined the validation and alignment of the PASA-Science by determining whether the alternate science assessment anchors linked to the regular education science anchors; whether the PASA-Science assessment items are science; whether the PASA-Science assessment items linked to the alternate science eligible content, and what PASA-Science assessment content was considered important by parents and teachers. Special education and science education university faculty determined all but one alternate science assessment anchor linked to the regular science assessment anchors. Special education and science education teachers determined that the PASA-Science assessment items are indeed science and linked to the alternate science eligible content. Finally, parents and teachers indicated the most important science content assessed in the PASA-Science involved safety and independence.

Hardware Model Of A Shipboard Zonal Electrical Distribution System (ZEDS): Alternating Current/Direct Current (AC/DC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

essential to fostering the loyalty , dedication and pride that enables the diverse student population within your department to be the very best systems...that I have enjoyed in my short time with you. Without you in my life, to share my success, I could not have ever achieved the level of satisfaction ...used. A typical wall mounted light switch is a single pole single throw switch. A common industrial motor start switch is a three pole single throw

Onboard power line conditioning system for an electric or hybrid vehicle

DOEpatents

Kajouke, Lateef A.; Perisic, Milun

2016-06-14

A power line quality conditioning system for a vehicle includes an onboard rechargeable direct current (DC) energy storage system and an onboard electrical system coupled to the energy storage system. The energy storage system provides DC energy to drive an electric traction motor of the vehicle. The electrical system operates in a charging mode such that alternating current (AC) energy from a power grid external to the vehicle is converted to DC energy to charge the DC energy storage system. The electrical system also operates in a vehicle-to-grid power conditioning mode such that DC energy from the DC energy storage system is converted to AC energy to condition an AC voltage of the power grid.

A Proposed Collaborative Framework for Prefabricated Housing Construction Using RFID Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charnwasununth, Phatsaphan; Yabuki, Nobuyoshi; Tongthong, Tanit

Despite the popularity of prefabricated housing construction in Thailand and many other countries, due to the lack of collaboration in current practice, undesired low productivity and a number of mistakes are identified. This research proposes a framework to raise the collaborative level for improving productivity and reducing mistake occurrences at sites. In this framework, RFID system bridges the gap between the real situation and the design, and the proposed system can cope with the unexpected construction conditions by generating proper alternatives. This system is composed of PDAs, RFID readers, laptop PCs, and a desktop PC. Six main modules and a database system are implemented in laptop PCs for recording actual site conditions, generating working alternatives, providing related information, and evaluating the work.

Optimal design of neural stimulation current waveforms.

PubMed

Halpern, Mark

2009-01-01

This paper contains results on the design of electrical signals for delivering charge through electrodes to achieve neural stimulation. A generalization of the usual constant current stimulation phase to a stepped current waveform is presented. The electrode current design is then formulated as the calculation of the current step sizes to minimize the peak electrode voltage while delivering a specified charge in a given number of time steps. This design problem can be formulated as a finite linear program, or alternatively by using techniques for discrete-time linear system design.

Origin and evolution of the Saturn system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollack, J. B.; Consolmagno, G.

1983-01-01

A review is provided of current concepts concerning the formation of the Saturn system and the subsequent history of the planet, its satellites, and rings. Emphasis is placed upon numerical models of Saturn's evolution and interior models of its satellites. Alternative theories are presented and assessed for the origins of the Saturn system, the rings of Saturn, and the atmosphere of Titan.

Activity-Based Management Accounting for DoD Depot Maintenance

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-08-01

used to establish a management accounting system for the depots is described. The current accounting system does not provide the information to answer...nondirect costs are tied solely to direct labor hours. A possible alternative management accounting system uses Activity-Based Costing (ABC). ABC links...along with its probable benefits and costs. Accounting, Management accounting , Cost analysis, Depot maintenance cost.

Cyanate Ester and Phthalonitrile Impregnated Carbon Ablative TPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boghozian, Tane; Stackpoole, Margaret M.; Gasch, Matt

2016-01-01

Phenolic resin has extensive heritage as a TPS (Thermal Protection Systems) material, however, alternative resin systems such as Cyanate Ester and Phthalonitrile may offer improved performance compared to state-of-the-art phenolic resin. These alternative resin systems may have higher char yield, higher char strength, lower thermal conductivity and improved mechanical properties. In current work at NASA Ames alternative resin systems were uniformly infused into fibrous substrates and preliminary properties characterized. The density of the cyanate ester infused in fibrous substrate ranged from 0.25-0.3 grams per cubic centimeter compared to PICA (Phenolic resin impregnated carbon ablative) having a density of approximately 0.25 grams per cubic centimeter. The density of Phthalonitrile varies from 0.22-0.25 grams per cubic centimeter. Initial formulations of these new resin systems were recently tested at the LARC HyMETs (Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System) facility to evaluate their performance and data such as back face temperature, char yield, and recession are compared to PICA. Cyanate Ester and Phthalonitrile impregnated carbon ablative samples showed comparable performance to phenolic resin impregnated carbon ablative samples.

Open randomised study of use of levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system as alternative to hysterectomy

PubMed Central

Lähteenmäki, Pekka; Haukkamaa, Maija; Puolakka, Jukka; Riikonen, Ulla; Sainio, Susanna; Suvisaari, Janne; Nilsson, Carl Gustaf

1998-01-01

Objectives: To assess whether the levonorgestrel intrauterine system could provide a conservative alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding. Design: Open randomised multicentre study with two parallel groups: a levonorgestrel intrauterine system group and a control group. Setting: Gynaecology departments of three hospitals in Finland. Subjects: Fifty six women aged 33-49 years scheduled to undergo hysterectomy for treatment of excessive uterine bleeding. Interventions: Women were randomised either to continue with their current medical treatment or to have a levonorgestrel intrauterine system inserted. Main outcome measure: Proportion of women cancelling their decision to undergo hysterectomy. Results: At 6 months, 64.3% (95% confidence interval 44.1 to 81.4%) of the women in the levonorgestrel intrauterine system group and 14.3% (4.0 to 32.7%) in the control group had cancelled their decision to undergo hysterectomy (P<0.001). Conclusions: The use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system is a good conservative alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of menorrhagia and should be considered before hysterectomy or other invasive treatments. PMID:9552948

SEI power source alternatives for rovers and other multi-kWe distributed surface applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bents, David J.; Kohout, L. L.; Mckissock, Barbara I.; Rodriguez, C. D.; Withrow, C. A.; Colozza, A.; Hanlon, James C.; Schmitz, Paul C.

1991-01-01

To support the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI), a study was performed to investigate power system alternatives for the rover vehicles and servicers that were subsequently generated for each of these rovers and servicers, candidate power sources incorporating various power generation and energy storage technologies were identified. The technologies were those believed most appropriate to the SEI missions, and included solar, electrochemical, and isotope systems. The candidates were characterized with respect to system mass, deployed area, and volume. For each of the missions a preliminary selection was made. Results of this study depict the available power sources in light of mission requirements as they are currently defined.

46 CFR 58.25-55 - Overcurrent protection for steering-gear systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... overcurrent protection except short-circuit protection that is instantaneous and rated at 400% to 500% of— (1... for steering-gear systems. (a) Each feeder circuit for steering must be protected by a circuit breaker... motor for an alternating-current motor. (b) No feeder circuit for steering may have any overcurrent...

Evaluating Impact of Small-Group Discussion on Learning Utilizing a Classroom Response System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flosason, Thorhallur O.; McGee, Heather M.; Diener-Ludwig, Lori

2015-01-01

Classroom response systems (also referred to as clickers) can enhance learning outcomes and are generally viewed favorably by students and instructors alike. The current study used an alternating treatments design to examine whether discussing questions in small groups before responding to clicker questions during lecture improved accurate…

Learning Documentations in VET Systems: An Analysis of Current Swiss Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caruso, Valentina; Cattaneo, Alberto; Gurtner, Jean-Luc

2016-01-01

Swiss vocational education and training (VET) is defined as a dual-track system where apprentices weekly alternate between vocational school and a (real) workplace. At the workplace, they have to keep a learning documentation throughout their training, in which they are expected to regularly document their professional development. The actual use…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlson, Thomas J.; Myjak, Mitchell J.

At the request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory investigated the use of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to reduce the weight and volume of Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System (JSATS) transmitters while retaining current functionality. Review of the design of current JSATS transmitters identified components that could be replaced by an ASIC while retaining the function of the current transmitter and offering opportunities to extend function if desired. ASIC design alternatives were identified that could meet transmitter weight and volume targets of 200 mg and 100 mm3. If alternatives tomore » the cylindrical batteries used in current JSATS transmitters can be identified, it could be possible to implant ASIC-based JSATS transmitters by injection rather than surgery. Using criteria for the size of fish suitable for surgical implantation of current JSATS transmitters, it was concluded that fish as small as 70 mm in length could be implanted with an ASIC-based transmitter, particularly if implantation by injection became feasible.« less

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) Concept Definition Study. Volume 1: Executive Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanley, G.

1978-01-01

The evolution of a total satellite power is described as well as major subsystem alternatives. Trade study results are given for satellite concepts, ground receiving antennas, satellite construction sites, and transportation. Point design definition, end-to-end analysis, and programmatics are covered. The GaAlAs photovoltaic concept is recommended as the current preliminary baseline satellite concept with silicon photovoltaic and Rankine cycle solar-thermal concepts as viable alternatives. Geosynchronous orbit is preferred for the construction of the satellite. A horizontal takeoff and landing air breathing rocket HLLV concept is preferred for earth-to-LEO transportation, with vertical takeoff options as viable alternatives. An argon electric orbit transfer vehicle is preferred for cargo transport from LEO and GEO orbit, and a chemical LH2/L02, two-stage orbit transfer vehicle is recommended for crew transport. A stripline rectenna array is the current preferred concept.

Integrated nonthermal treatment system study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biagi, C.; Bahar, D.; Teheranian, B.

1997-01-01

This report presents the results of a study of nonthermal treatment technologies. The study consisted of a systematic assessment of five nonthermal treatment alternatives. The treatment alternatives consist of widely varying technologies for safely destroying the hazardous organic components, reducing the volume, and preparing for final disposal of the contact-handled mixed low-level waste (MLLW) currently stored in the US Department of Energy complex. The alternatives considered were innovative nonthermal treatments for organic liquids and sludges, process residue, soil and debris. Vacuum desorption or various washing approaches are considered for treatment of soil, residue and debris. Organic destruction methods include mediatedmore » electrochemical oxidation, catalytic wet oxidation, and acid digestion. Other methods studied included stabilization technologies and mercury separation of treatment residues. This study is a companion to the integrated thermal treatment study which examined 19 alternatives for thermal treatment of MLLW waste. The quantities and physical and chemical compositions of the input waste are based on the inventory database developed by the US Department of Energy. The Integrated Nonthermal Treatment Systems (INTS) systems were evaluated using the same waste input (2,927 pounds per hour) as the Integrated Thermal Treatment Systems (ITTS). 48 refs., 68 figs., 37 tabs.« less

Lightning Instrumentation at KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colon, Jose L.; Eng, D.

2003-01-01

This report summarizes lightning phenomena with a brief explanation of lightning generation and lightning activity as related to KSC. An analysis of the instrumentation used at launching Pads 39 A&B for measurements of lightning effects is included with alternatives and recommendations to improve the protection system and upgrade the actual instrumentation system. An architecture for a new data collection system to replace the present one is also included. A novel architecture to obtain lightning current information from several sensors using only one high speed recording channel while monitoring all sensors to replace the actual manual lightning current recorders and a novel device for the protection system are described.

Systems and methods for deactivating a matrix converter

DOEpatents

Ransom, Ray M.

2013-04-02

Systems and methods are provided for deactivating a matrix conversion module. An electrical system comprises an alternating current (AC) interface, a matrix conversion module coupled to the AC interface, an inductive element coupled between the AC interface and the matrix conversion module, and a control module. The control module is coupled to the matrix conversion module, and in response to a shutdown condition, the control module is configured to operate the matrix conversion module to deactivate the first conversion module when a magnitude of a current through the inductive element is less than a threshold value.

Health information technology: a few years of magical thinking?

PubMed

Diamond, Carol C; Shirky, Clay

2008-01-01

One of the biggest obstacles to expanding the use of information technology (IT) in health care may be the current narrow focus on how to stimulate its adoption. The challenge of thinking of IT as a tool to improve quality requires serious attention to transforming the U.S. health care system as a whole, rather than simply computerizing the current setup. Proponents of health IT must resist "magical thinking," such as the notion that technology will transform our broken system, absent integrated work on policy or incentives. The alternative route to transforming the system sets all of its sights on the destination.

Three-Dimensional Magnetic Analysis Technique Developed for Evaluating Stirling Convertor Linear Alternators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geng, Steven M.

2003-01-01

The Department of Energy, the Stirling Technology Company (STC), and the NASA Glenn Research Center are developing Stirling convertors for Stirling radioisotope generators to provide electrical power for future NASA deep space missions. STC is developing the 55-We technology demonstration convertor (TDC) under contract to the Department of Energy. The Department of Energy recently named Lockheed Martin as the system integration contractor for the Stirling radioisotope generator development project. Lockheed Martin will develop the Stirling radioisotope generator engineering unit and has contract options to develop the qualification unit and the first flight unit. Glenn s role includes an in-house project to provide convertor, component, and materials testing and evaluation in support of the overall power system development. As a part of this work, Glenn has established an in-house Stirling research laboratory for testing, analyzing, and evaluating Stirling machines. STC has built four 55-We convertors for NASA, and these are being tested at Glenn. A cross-sectional view of the 55-We TDC is shown in the figure. Of critical importance to the successful development of the Stirling convertor for space power applications is the development of a lightweight and highly efficient linear alternator. In support, Glenn has been developing finite element analysis and finite element method tools for performing various linear alternator thermal and electromagnetic analyses and evaluating design configurations. A three-dimensional magnetostatic finite element model of STC's 55-We TDC linear alternator was developed to evaluate the demagnetization fields affecting the alternator magnets. Since the actual linear alternator hardware is symmetric to the quarter section about the axis of motion, only a quarter section of the alternator was modeled. The components modeled included the mover laminations, the neodymium-iron-boron magnets, the stator laminations, and the copper coils. The three-dimensional magnetostatic model was then coupled with a circuit simulator model of the alternator load and convertor controller. The coupled model was then used to generate alternator terminal voltage and current predictions. The predicted voltage and current waveforms agreed well with the experimental data, which tended to validate the accuracy of the coupled model. The model was then used to generate predictions of the demagnetization fields acting on the alternator magnets for the alternator under load. The preliminary model predictions indicate that the highest potential for demagnetization is along the inside surface of the uncovered magnets. The demagnetization field for the uncovered magnets when the mover is positioned at the end of a stroke is higher than it is when the mover is at the position of maximum induced voltage or maximum alternator current. Assuming normal load conditions, the model predicted that the onset of demagnetization is most likely to occur for magnet temperatures above 101 C.

Unlocking data: federated identity with LSDMA and dCache

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millar, AP; Behrmann, G.; Bernardt, C.; Fuhrmann, P.; Hardt, M.; Hayrapetyan, A.; Litvintsev, D.; Mkrtchyan, T.; Rossi, A.; Schwank, K.

2015-12-01

X.509, the dominant identity system from grid computing, has proved unpopular for many user communities. More popular alternatives generally assume the user is interacting via their web-browser. Such alternatives allow a user to authenticate with many services with the same credentials (user-name and password). They also allow users from different organisations form collaborations quickly and simply. Scientists generally require that their custom analysis software has direct access to the data. Such direct access is not currently supported by alternatives to X.509, as they require the use of a web-browser. Various approaches to solve this issue are being investigated as part of the Large Scale Data Management and Analysis (LSDMA) project, a German funded national R&D project. These involve dynamic credential translation (creating an X.509 credential) to allow backwards compatibility in addition to direct SAML- and OpenID Connect-based authentication. We present a summary of the current state of art and the current status of the federated identity work funded by the LSDMA project along with the future road map.

A Grand Challenge for CMOS Scaling: Alternate Gate Dielectrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallace, Robert M.

2001-03-01

Many materials systems are currently under consideration as potential replacements for SiO2 as the gate dielectric material for sub-0.13 um complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The prospect of replacing SiO2 is a formidable task because the alternate gate dielectric must provide many properties that are, at a minimum, comparable to those of SiO2 yet with a much higher permittivity. A systematic examination of the required performance of gate dielectrics suggests that the key properties to consider in the selection an alternative gate dielectric candidate are (a) permittivity, band gap and band alignment to silicon, (b) thermodynamic stability, (c) film morphology, (d) interface quality, (e) compatibility with the current or expected materials to be used in processing for CMOS devices, (f) process compatibility, and (g) reliability. Many dielectrics appear favorable in some of these areas, but very few materials are promising with respect to all of these guidelines. We will review the performance requirements for materials associated with CMOS scaling, the challenges associated with these requirements, and the state-of-the-art in current research for alternate gate dielectrics. The requirements for process integration compatibility are remarkably demanding, and any serious candidates will emerge only through continued, intensive investigation.

Waste management in the Irkutsk region, Siberia, Russia: An environmental assessment of alternative development scenarios.

PubMed

Starostina, Vlada; Damgaard, Anders; Eriksen, Marie K; Christensen, Thomas H

2018-04-01

The current waste management system, handling around 500,000 t of household, commercial, and institutional waste annually in the Irkutsk region, Siberia, is based on landfilling in an old landfill with no controls of leachate and gas. Life-cycle assessment modelling of the current system shows that it is a major load on the environment, while the simulation of seven alternative systems results in large savings in many impact categories. With respect to climate change, it is estimated that a saving of about 1200 kg CO 2 equivalents is possible per year, per inhabitant, which is a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The best alternatives involve efficient energy recovery from waste and recycling by source separation for commercial and institutional waste, the major waste type in the Irkutsk region. Recycling of household waste seems less attractive, and it is therefore recommended only to consider this option after experience has been gained with the commercial and institutional waste. Sensitivity analysis shows that recovery of energy - in particular electricity, heat, and steam - from waste is crucial to the environmental performance of the waste management system. This relates to the efficiencies of energy recovery as well as what the recovered energy substitutes, that is, the 'dirtier' the off-set energy, the higher the environmental savings for the waste management system. Since recovered energy may be utilised by only a few energy grids or industrial users, it is recommended to perform additional local assessments of the integration of the waste energy into existing systems and facilities.

Modification to the Langley 8-foot high temperature tunnel for hypersonic propulsion testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reubush, D. E.; Puster, R. L.; Kelly, H. N.

1987-01-01

Described are the modifications currently under way to the Langley 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel to produce a new, unique national resource for testing hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems. The current tunnel, which has been used for aerothermal loads and structures research since its inception, is being modified with the addition of a LOX system to bring the oxygen content of the test medium up to that of air, the addition of alternate Mach number capability (4 and 5) to augment the current M=7 capability, improvements to the tunnel hardware to reduce maintenance downtime, the addition of a hydrogen system to allow the testing of hydrogen powered engines, and a new data system to increase both the quantity and quality of the data obtained.

Cost estimation of HVDC transmission system of Bangka's NPP candidates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liun, Edwaren; Suparman

2014-09-01

Regarding nuclear power plant development in Bangka Island, it can be estimated that produced power will be oversupply for the Bangka Island and needs to transmit to Sumatra or Java Island. The distance between the regions or islands causing considerable loss of power in transmission by alternating current, and a wide range of technical and economical issues. The objective of this paper addresses to economics analysis of direct current transmission system to overcome those technical problem. Direct current transmission has a stable characteristic, so that the power delivery from Bangka to Sumatra or Java in a large scale efficiently and reliably can be done. HVDC system costs depend on the power capacity applied to the system and length of the transmission line in addition to other variables that may be different.

Time varying voltage combustion control and diagnostics sensor

DOEpatents

Chorpening, Benjamin T [Morgantown, WV; Thornton, Jimmy D [Morgantown, WV; Huckaby, E David [Morgantown, WV; Fincham, William [Fairmont, WV

2011-04-19

A time-varying voltage is applied to an electrode, or a pair of electrodes, of a sensor installed in a fuel nozzle disposed adjacent the combustion zone of a continuous combustion system, such as of the gas turbine engine type. The time-varying voltage induces a time-varying current in the flame which is measured and used to determine flame capacitance using AC electrical circuit analysis. Flame capacitance is used to accurately determine the position of the flame from the sensor and the fuel/air ratio. The fuel and/or air flow rate (s) is/are then adjusted to provide reduced flame instability problems such as flashback, combustion dynamics and lean blowout, as well as reduced emissions. The time-varying voltage may be an alternating voltage and the time-varying current may be an alternating current.

Multiple pole electromagnetic propulsion system with separated ballistic guidance and electrical current contact surfaces

DOEpatents

Sims, Jr., James R.

2008-07-15

An electromagnetic propulsion system is disclosed having separate rails for ballistic guidance and for carrying current. In this system, one or more pairs of ballistic guidance rails are provided, with each ballistic guidance rail having a pair of current carrying rails joined to it to form a combined rail. Each combined rail is separated electrically from adjacent combined rails by electrically insulating blocks. Each of the current carrying rails in a given combined rail pair have the same electrical polarity, and the polarities alternate between adjacent combined rails. Armatures contact current carrying rails to complete the circuit to generate the accelerating Lorentz force on the armatures. Bore riders on the sabot and/or projectile are in contact with the ballistic guide rails. Separation of the current carrying and ballistic guidance functions increases resistance of the system to rail movement and bending, as well as reduced wear/damage to the rails. In further embodiments, a circumferential over wrap providing compressive force on the rails further increases resistance of the system to rail movement and bending.

Sliding mode observers for automotive alternator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, De-Shiou

Estimator development for synchronous rectification of the automotive alternator is a desirable approach for estimating alternator's back electromotive forces (EMFs) without a direct mechanical sensor of the rotor position. Recent theoretical studies show that estimation of the back EMF may be observed based on system's phase current model by sensing electrical variables (AC phase currents and DC bus voltage) of the synchronous rectifier. Observer design of the back EMF estimation has been developed for constant engine speed. In this work, we are interested in nonlinear observer design of the back EMF estimation for the real case of variable engine speed. Initial back EMF estimate can be obtained from a first-order sliding mode observer (SMO) based on the phase current model. A fourth-order nonlinear asymptotic observer (NAO), complemented by the dynamics of the back EMF with time-varying frequency and amplitude, is then incorporated into the observer design for chattering reduction. Since the cost of required phase current sensors may be prohibitive, the most applicable approach in real implementation by measuring DC current of the synchronous rectifier is carried out in the dissertation. It is shown that the DC link current consists of sequential "windows" with partial information of the phase currents, hence, the cascaded NAO is responsible not only for the purpose of chattering reduction but also for necessarily accomplishing the process of estimation. Stability analyses of the proposed estimators are considered for most linear and time-varying cases. The stability of the NAO without speed information is substantiated by both numerical and experimental results. Prospective estimation algorithms for the case of battery current measurements are investigated. Theoretical study indicates that the convergence of the proposed LAO may be provided by high gain inputs. Since the order of the LAO/NAO for the battery current case is one order higher than that of the link current measurements, it is hard to find moderate values of the input gains for the real-time sampled-data systems. Technical difficulties in implementation of such high order discrete-time nonlinear estimators have been discussed. Directions of further investigations have been provided.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balser, S.; Sankar, S.; Miller, R.

In order to more fully integrate renewable resources, such as wind and solar, into the transmission system, additional capacity must be realized in the short term using the installed transmission capacity that exists today. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Transmission and Grid Integration Group supported this study to assemble the history of regulations and status of transmission technology to expand existing grid capacity. This report compiles data on various transmission technology methods and upgrades for increased capacity utilization of the existing transmission system and transmission corridors. The report discusses the technical merit ofmore » each method and explains how the method could be applied within the current regulatory structure to increase existing transmission conductor and/or corridor capacity. The history and current state of alternatives to new construction is presented for regulators, legislators, and other policy makers wrestling with issues surrounding integration of variable generation. Current regulations are assessed for opportunities to change them to promote grid expansion. To support consideration of these alternatives for expanding grid capacity, the report lists relevant rules, standards, and policy changes.« less

Corrective Action Decision Document for Corrective Action Unit 428: Area 3 Septic Waste Systems 1 and 5, Tonopah Test Range, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office

2000-02-08

This Corrective Action Decision Document identifies and rationalizes the US Department of Energy, Nevada Operations Office's selection of a recommended corrective action alternative (CAA) appropriate to facilitate the closure of Corrective Action Unit (CAU) 428, Septic Waste Systems 1 and 5, under the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order. Located in Area 3 at the Tonopah Test Range (TTR) in Nevada, CAU 428 is comprised of two Corrective Action Sites (CASs): (1) CAS 03-05-002-SW01, Septic Waste System 1 and (2) CAS 03-05-002- SW05, Septic Waste System 5. A corrective action investigation performed in 1999 detected analyte concentrations that exceeded preliminarymore » action levels; specifically, contaminants of concern (COCs) included benzo(a) pyrene in a septic tank integrity sample associated with Septic Tank 33-1A of Septic Waste System 1, and arsenic in a soil sample associated with Septic Waste System 5. During this investigation, three Corrective Action Objectives (CAOs) were identified to prevent or mitigate exposure to contents of the septic tanks and distribution box, to subsurface soil containing COCs, and the spread of COCs beyond the CAU. Based on these CAOs, a review of existing data, future use, and current operations in Area 3 of the TTR, three CAAs were developed for consideration: Alternative 1 - No Further Action; Alternative 2 - Closure in Place with Administrative Controls; and Alternative 3 - Clean Closure by Excavation and Disposal. These alternatives were evaluated based on four general corrective action standards and five remedy selection decision factors. Based on the results of the evaluation, the preferred CAA was Alternative 3. This alternative meets all applicable state and federal regulations for closure of the site and will eliminate potential future exposure pathways to the contaminated soils at the Area 3 Septic Waste Systems 1 and 5.« less

Successful validation of in vitro methods in toxicology by ZEBET, the National Centre for Alternatives in Germany at the BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment).

PubMed

Spielmann, Horst; Grune, Barbara; Liebsch, Manfred; Seiler, Andrea; Vogel, Richard

2008-06-01

A short description of the history of the 3Rs concept is given, which was developed as the scientific concept to refine, reduce and replace animal experiments by Russel and Burch more than 40 years ago. In addition, the legal framework in Europe for developing alternatives to animal experiments is given and the current status of in vitro systems in pharmacology and toxicology is described including an update on metabolising systems. The decrease in experimental animal numbers during the past decade in Europe is illustrated by the situation in Germany and the contribution of international harmonisation of test guidelines on reducing animal numbers in regulatory testing is described. A review of the development of the principles of experimental validation is given and the 3T3 NRU in vitro phototoxicity test is used as an example for a successful validation study, which led to the acceptance of the first in vitro toxicity test for regulatory purposes by the OECD. Finally, the currently accepted alternative methods for standardisation and safety testing of drugs, biologicals and medical devices are summarised.

Gravitational radiation from binary systems in alternative metric theories of gravity - Dipole radiation and the binary pulsar

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Will, C. M.

1977-01-01

The generation of gravitational radiation in several currently viable metric theories of gravitation (Brans-Dicke, Rosen, Ni, and Lightman-Lee) is analyzed, and it is shown that these theories predict the emission of dipole gravitational radiation from systems containing gravitationally bound objects. In the binary system PSR 1913 + 16, this radiation results in a secular change in the orbital period of the system with a nominal magnitude of 3 parts in 100,000 per year. The size of the effect is proportional to the reduced mass of the system, to the square of the difference in (self-gravitational energy)/(mass) between the two components of the system, and to a parameter, xi, whose value varies from theory to theory. In general relativity xi equals 0, in Rosen's (1973) theory xi equals -20/3, and in Ni's (1973) theory xi equals -400/3. The current upper limit on such a secular period change is one part in 1 million per year. It is shown that further observations of the binary system that tighten this limit and that establish the masses of the components and the identity of the companion may provide a crucial test of otherwise viable alternatives to general relativity.

Hybrid inverter for HVDC/weak AC system interconnection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tam, K.S.

1985-01-01

The concept of the hybrid converter is introduced. By independently controlling a naturally commutated converter (NCC) and an artificially commutated converter (ACC), real power and reactive power can be controlled independently. Alternatively, the ac bus voltage can be regulated without affecting the real power transfer. Independent control is feasible only within certain operating boundaries. Twelve pulse operation, sequential control, and complementary circuits may be viewed as variations of the hybrid converter. The concept of the hybrid converter is demonstrated by digital simulation. At the current state of technology, the NCC is best implemented by a 6-pulse bridge using thyristors asmore » the switching elements. A survey of power electronics applicable to HVDC applications reveals that the capacitively commutated current-sourced converters are either technically or economically better than the other alternatives for the implementation of the ACC. The digital simulation results show that the problems of operating an HVDC system into a weak ac system can be solved by using a hybrid inverter. A new control scheme, the zero Q control, is developed. With no reactive power interaction between the dc system and the ac system, the stability of the HVDC/weak ac system operation is significantly improved. System start-up and fault recovery is fast and stable.« less

Annual Industrial Capabilities Report to Congress

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-02-01

suspension systems is not a concern. Deformable Mirrors (September 1998) The atmosphere, temperature variations, and vibration distort optical system...images. Deformable mirrors can compensate for these effects in real time. They are used in surveillance optics, laser weapons, and astronomical telescopes...This assessment investigated the availability of current and potential deformable mirror producers, and possible alternative technologies. The

Intelligent transportation system (ITS) study for the Buffalo and Niagara Falls metropolitan area, Erie and Niagara Counties, New York : alternative technologies, working paper #6

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-06-18

The current paper provides a discussion of the technologies available to collect/transmit process and disseminate the needed data in order to meet the needs of the Buffalo ITS data sources, system users and their needs. The technologies which could b...

Development of Subscale Fast Cookoff Test (PREPRINT)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-21

The hazards classification procedures have been harmonized with both the UN Test and Criteria Manual for UN Series 1...aimed at the development of a sub-scale alternate test protocol to the external fire test currently required for final hazards classification (HC...external fire test currently required for final hazards classification (HC) of an ordnance system. The specific goal of this part of the task was

Method and system for a gas tube-based current source high voltage direct current transmission system

DOEpatents

She, Xu; Chokhawala, Rahul Shantilal; Bray, James William; Sommerer, Timothy John; Zhou, Rui; Zhang, Di

2017-08-29

A high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission system includes an alternating current (AC) electrical source and a power converter channel that includes an AC-DC converter electrically coupled to the electrical source and a DC-AC inverter electrically coupled to the AC-DC converter. The AC-DC converter and the DC-AC inverter each include a plurality of legs that includes at least one switching device. The power converter channel further includes a commutating circuit communicatively coupled to one or more switching devices. The commutating circuit is configured to "switch on" one of the switching devices during a first portion of a cycle of the H-bridge switching circuits and "switch off" the switching device during a second portion of the cycle of the first and second H-bridge switching circuits.

Regional economic impacts of current and proposed management alternatives for Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Richardson, Leslie; Huber, Chris; Koontz, Lynne

2012-01-01

The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 requires all units of the National Wildlife Refuge System to be managed under a Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The Comprehensive Conservation Plan must describe the desired future conditions of a Refuge and provide long-range guidance and management direction to achieve refuge purposes. The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located at the south end of California's San Francisco Bay and one of seven refuges in the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex, is in the process of developing a range of management goals, objectives, and strategies for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The Comprehensive Conservation Plan must contain an analysis of expected effects associated with current and proposed Refuge management strategies. For Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan planning, a regional economic analysis provides a means of estimating how current management (No Action Alternative) and proposed management activities (alternatives) affect the local economy. This type of analysis provides two critical pieces of information: (1) it illustrates the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge's contribution to the local community, and (2) it can help in determining whether economic effects are or are not a real concern in choosing among management alternatives. This report first presents a description of the local community and economy near the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Next, the methods used to conduct a regional economic impact analysis are described. An analysis of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan management strategies that could affect stakeholders, residents, and the local economy is then presented. The management activities of economic concern in this analysis are: * Spending in the local community by Refuge visitors; * Refuge personnel salary spending; and * Refuge purchases of goods and services within the local community.

Potential Alternative Lower Global Warming Refrigerants for Air Conditioning in Hot Climates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abdelaziz, Omar; Shrestha, Som S; Shen, Bo

The earth continues to see record increase in temperatures and extreme weather conditions that is largely driven by anthropogenic emissions of warming gases such as carbon dioxide and other more potent greenhouse gases such as refrigerants. The cooperation of 188 countries in the Conference of the Parties in Paris 2015 (COP21) resulted in an agreement aimed to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2 C. A global phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) can prevent 0.5 C of warming by 2100. However, most of the countries in hot climates are consideredmore » as developing countries and as such are still using R-22 (a Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)) as the baseline refrigerant and are currently undergoing a phase-out of R-22 which is controlled by current Montreal Protocol to R-410A and other HFC based refrigerants. These HFCs have significantly high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and might not perform as well as R-22 at high ambient temperature conditions. In this paper we present recent results on evaluating the performance of alternative lower GWP refrigerants for R-22 and R-410A for small residential mini-split air conditioners and large commercial packaged units. Results showed that several of the alternatives would provide adequate replacement for R-22 with minor system modification. For the R-410A system, results showed that some of the alternatives were almost drop-in ready with benefit in efficiency and/or capacity. One of the most promising alternatives for R-22 mini-split unit is propane (R-290) as it offers higher efficiency; however it requires compressor and some other minor system modification to maintain capacity and minimize flammability risk. Between the R-410A alternatives, R-32 appears to have a competitive advantage; however at the cost of higher compressor discharge temperature. With respect to the hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blends, there existed a tradeoff in performance and system design. It was noticed that higher glide refrigerants benefited the most from operating in the larger packaged unit with an evaporator in a multi-row counter-cross configuration. This study suggests that there is a strong potential for using lower GWP refrigerants to design and operate more efficient air conditioning systems in hot climates.« less

Augmentative Communication Services in the Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackstone, Sarah W.

1989-01-01

The article considers current issues concerning service delivery systems and practices concerning augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services in U.S. schools. Concerns in AAC program development are noted and service delivery models (center-based, community-based, or collaborative) are compared. (DB)

Educational Organization for the Future

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cote, Ron Roy

1977-01-01

Five basic components of the emerging educational system--forecasts and assessment, program planning, alternative environments, electronics and socialization, and differentiated faculty--summarize both current trends in educational practice and the implications for schools provided by analysts of the radically different society America is…

Molten salt electrolyte separator

DOEpatents

Kaun, T.D.

1996-07-09

The patent describes a molten salt electrolyte/separator for battery and related electrochemical systems including a molten electrolyte composition and an electrically insulating solid salt dispersed therein, to provide improved performance at higher current densities and alternate designs through ease of fabrication. 5 figs.

Making the Reserve Retirement System Similar to the Active System: Retention and Cost Estimates

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

inequity in the systems might hurt morale, decrease reserve supply, and reduce readiness. As an alternative to the current system, the RC retirement system...enlisted personnel, we use the 2007 median wage for full-time male workers with associate degrees. For officers, we use the 2007 median wage for full-time...military pay, promotion policy, and civilian pay are time stationary, and we exclude demographics, such as gender , marriage, and spouse employment, from

Application of a hybrid generation/utility assessment heuristic to a class of scheduling problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heyward, Ann O.

1989-01-01

A two-stage heuristic solution approach for a class of multiobjective, n-job, 1-machine scheduling problems is described. Minimization of job-to-job interference for n jobs is sought. The first stage generates alternative schedule sequences by interchanging pairs of schedule elements. The set of alternative sequences can represent nodes of a decision tree; each node is reached via decision to interchange job elements. The second stage selects the parent node for the next generation of alternative sequences through automated paired comparison of objective performance for all current nodes. An application of the heuristic approach to communications satellite systems planning is presented.

Economic Analysis of Classical Swine Fever Surveillance in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Guo, X; Claassen, G D H; Oude Lansink, A G J M; Loeffen, W; Saatkamp, H W

2016-06-01

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious pig disease that causes economic losses and impaired animal welfare. Improving the surveillance system for CSF can help to ensure early detection of the virus, thereby providing a better initial situation for controlling the disease. Economic analysis is required to compare the benefits of improved surveillance with the costs of implementing a more intensive system. This study presents a comprehensive economic analysis of CSF surveillance in the Netherlands, taking into account the specialized structure of Dutch pig production, differences in virulence of CSF strains and a complete list of possible surveillance activities. The starting point of the analysis is the current Dutch surveillance system (i.e. the default surveillance-setup scenario), including the surveillance activities 'daily clinical observation by the farmer', 'veterinarian inspection after a call', 'routine veterinarian inspection', 'pathology in AHS', 'PCR on tonsil in AHS', 'PCR on grouped animals in CVI' and 'confirmatory PCR by NVWA'. Alternative surveillance-setup scenarios were proposed by adding 'routine serology in slaughterhouses', 'routine serology on sow farms' and 'PCR on rendered animals'. The costs and benefits for applying the alternative surveillance-setup scenarios were evaluated by comparing the annual mitigated economic losses because of intensified CSF surveillance with the annual additional surveillance costs. The results of the cost-effectiveness analysis show that the alternative surveillance-setup scenarios with 'PCR on rendered animals' are effective for the moderately virulent CSF strain, whereas the scenarios with 'routine serology in slaughterhouses' or 'routine serology on sow farms' are effective for the low virulent strain. Moreover, the current CSF surveillance system in the Netherlands is cost-effective for both moderately virulent and low virulent CSF strains. The results of the cost-benefit analysis for the moderately virulent CSF strain indicate that the current surveillance system in the Netherlands is adequate. From an economic perspective, there is little to be gained from intensifying surveillance. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Need to train your rat? There is an App for that: a touchscreen behavioral evaluation system.

PubMed

Wolf, Joshua E; Urbano, Catherine M; Ruprecht, Chad M; Leising, Kenneth J

2014-03-01

The increasing demand for highly automated and flexible tasks capable of assessing visual learning and memory in nonhuman animals has led to the exciting development of a wide array of prefabricated touchscreen-equipped systems. However, the high cost of these prefabricated systems has led many researchers to develop or modify their own preexisting equipment. We developed a freely downloadable App, the Touchscreeen Behavioral Evaluation System (TBES) for use in conjunction with an iPad (Apple, Cupertino, California) as an alternative to prefabricated touchscreen systems. TBES allows for stimulus presentation and data collection on an iPad. The touchscreen technology offered by the iPad is attractive to researchers due to its affordability, reliability, and resistance to false inputs. We highlight these, as well as the feasibility and procedural flexibility of TBES, in an effort to promote our system as a competitive alternative to those currently available.

Influence of TCSC Devices on Congestion Management in a Deregulated Power System Using Evolutionary Programming Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ananthichristy, A., Dr.; Elanthirayan, R.; Brindha, R., Dr.; Siddhiq, M. S.; Venkatesh, N.; Harshit, M. V.; Nikhilreddy, M.

2018-04-01

Congestion management is one of the technical challenges in power system deregulation. In deregulated electricity market it may always not be possible to dispatch all of the contracted power transactions due to congestion of the transmission corridors. Transmission congestion occurs when there is insufficient transmission capacity to simultaneously accommodate all constraints for transmission of a line. Flexible Alternative Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices can be an alternative to reduce the flows in the heavily loaded lines, resulting in an increased loadability, low system loss, improved stability of the network, reduced cost of production and fulfilled contractual requirement by controlling the power flow in the network. A method to determine the optimal location of FACTS has been suggested based on reduction of total system VAR power losses. The simulation was done on IEEE 14 bus system and results were obtained.

Design and implementation of a risk assessment module in a spatial decision support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Kaixi; van Westen, Cees; Bakker, Wim

2014-05-01

The spatial decision support system named 'Changes SDSS' is currently under development. The goal of this system is to analyze changing hydro-meteorological hazards and the effect of risk reduction alternatives to support decision makers in choosing the best alternatives. The risk assessment module within the system is to assess the current risk, analyze the risk after implementations of risk reduction alternatives, and analyze the risk in different future years when considering scenarios such as climate change, land use change and population growth. The objective of this work is to present the detailed design and implementation plan of the risk assessment module. The main challenges faced consist of how to shift the risk assessment from traditional desktop software to an open source web-based platform, the availability of input data and the inclusion of uncertainties in the risk analysis. The risk assessment module is developed using Ext JS library for the implementation of user interface on the client side, using Python for scripting, as well as PostGIS spatial functions for complex computations on the server side. The comprehensive consideration of the underlying uncertainties in input data can lead to a better quantification of risk assessment and a more reliable Changes SDSS, since the outputs of risk assessment module are the basis for decision making module within the system. The implementation of this module will contribute to the development of open source web-based modules for multi-hazard risk assessment in the future. This work is part of the "CHANGES SDSS" project, funded by the European Community's 7th Framework Program.

Prevalidation of an Acute Inhalation Toxicity Test Using the EpiAirway In Vitro Human Airway Model

PubMed Central

Jackson, George R.; Maione, Anna G.; Klausner, Mitchell

2018-01-01

Abstract Introduction: Knowledge of acute inhalation toxicity potential is important for establishing safe use of chemicals and consumer products. Inhalation toxicity testing and classification procedures currently accepted within worldwide government regulatory systems rely primarily on tests conducted in animals. The goal of the current work was to develop and prevalidate a nonanimal (in vitro) test for determining acute inhalation toxicity using the EpiAirway™ in vitro human airway model as a potential alternative for currently accepted animal tests. Materials and Methods: The in vitro test method exposes EpiAirway tissues to test chemicals for 3 hours, followed by measurement of tissue viability as the test endpoint. Fifty-nine chemicals covering a broad range of toxicity classes, chemical structures, and physical properties were evaluated. The in vitro toxicity data were utilized to establish a prediction model to classify the chemicals into categories corresponding to the currently accepted Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) system. Results: The EpiAirway prediction model identified in vivo rat-based GHS Acute Inhalation Toxicity Category 1–2 and EPA Acute Inhalation Toxicity Category I–II chemicals with 100% sensitivity and specificity of 43.1% and 50.0%, for GHS and EPA acute inhalation toxicity systems, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the EpiAirway prediction model for identifying GHS specific target organ toxicity-single exposure (STOT-SE) Category 1 human toxicants were 75.0% and 56.5%, respectively. Corrosivity and electrophilic and oxidative reactivity appear to be the predominant mechanisms of toxicity for the most highly toxic chemicals. Conclusions: These results indicate that the EpiAirway test is a promising alternative to the currently accepted animal tests for acute inhalation toxicity. PMID:29904643

Prevalidation of an Acute Inhalation Toxicity Test Using the EpiAirway In Vitro Human Airway Model.

PubMed

Jackson, George R; Maione, Anna G; Klausner, Mitchell; Hayden, Patrick J

2018-06-01

Introduction: Knowledge of acute inhalation toxicity potential is important for establishing safe use of chemicals and consumer products. Inhalation toxicity testing and classification procedures currently accepted within worldwide government regulatory systems rely primarily on tests conducted in animals. The goal of the current work was to develop and prevalidate a nonanimal ( in vitro ) test for determining acute inhalation toxicity using the EpiAirway™ in vitro human airway model as a potential alternative for currently accepted animal tests. Materials and Methods: The in vitro test method exposes EpiAirway tissues to test chemicals for 3 hours, followed by measurement of tissue viability as the test endpoint. Fifty-nine chemicals covering a broad range of toxicity classes, chemical structures, and physical properties were evaluated. The in vitro toxicity data were utilized to establish a prediction model to classify the chemicals into categories corresponding to the currently accepted Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) system. Results: The EpiAirway prediction model identified in vivo rat-based GHS Acute Inhalation Toxicity Category 1-2 and EPA Acute Inhalation Toxicity Category I-II chemicals with 100% sensitivity and specificity of 43.1% and 50.0%, for GHS and EPA acute inhalation toxicity systems, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the EpiAirway prediction model for identifying GHS specific target organ toxicity-single exposure (STOT-SE) Category 1 human toxicants were 75.0% and 56.5%, respectively. Corrosivity and electrophilic and oxidative reactivity appear to be the predominant mechanisms of toxicity for the most highly toxic chemicals. Conclusions: These results indicate that the EpiAirway test is a promising alternative to the currently accepted animal tests for acute inhalation toxicity.

Cleveland Clinic experience with interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulchaker, James C.; Ng, Christopher S.; Palone, David; Angie, Michelle; Kursh, Elroy D.

2000-05-01

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been considered the gold standard therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The problems associated with the TURP, which have been extensively described, include significant bleeding, TUR syndrome, incontinence, stricture, bladder neck contracture, and sexual dysfunction. The desire for simpler, less morbid alternative therapies to TURP has led to an eruption of research and development in the last decade. This is fueled by the continued research for more economical alternatives in our current high cost health care system.

Laser assisted deposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dutta, S.

1983-01-01

Applications of laser-based processing techniques to solar cell metallization are discussed. Laser-assisted thermal or photolytic maskless deposition from organometallic vapors or solutions may provide a viable alternative to photovoltaic metallization systems currently in use. High power, defocused excimer lasers may be used in conjunction with masks as an alternative to direct laser writing to provide higher throughput. Repeated pulsing with excimer lasers may eliminate the need for secondary plating techniques for metal film buildup. A comparison between the thermal and photochemical deposition processes is made.

Program Manager: Journal of the Defense Systems Management College. Volume 20, Number 4, July-August 1991

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

national aritificial intelligence technologies, phase is intended to establish a stable headline news when front-line which are key to linking computer and... intelligence and S&T own alternative. communities. There are experts from Assembly of potential material the S&T community through contin- alternatives...cidents to SEC. i chief inform him that he am earlier work, Designing Defense intelligent cififrhitathIeS’ysterns, and adds the current spin of -FEI

Investigation of Cleanliness Verification Techniques for Rocket Engine Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fritzemeier, Marilyn L.; Skowronski, Raymund P.

1994-01-01

Oxidizer propellant systems for liquid-fueled rocket engines must meet stringent cleanliness requirements for particulate and nonvolatile residue. These requirements were established to limit residual contaminants which could block small orifices or ignite in the oxidizer system during engine operation. Limiting organic residues in high pressure oxygen systems, such as in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), is particularly important. The current method of cleanliness verification for the SSME uses an organic solvent flush of the critical hardware surfaces. The solvent is filtered and analyzed for particulate matter followed by gravimetric determination of the nonvolatile residue (NVR) content of the filtered solvent. The organic solvents currently specified for use (1, 1, 1-trichloroethane and CFC-113) are ozone-depleting chemicals slated for elimination by December 1995. A test program is in progress to evaluate alternative methods for cleanliness verification that do not require the use of ozone-depleting chemicals and that minimize or eliminate the use of solvents regulated as hazardous air pollutants or smog precursors. Initial results from the laboratory test program to evaluate aqueous-based methods and organic solvent flush methods for NVR verification are provided and compared with results obtained using the current method. Evaluation of the alternative methods was conducted using a range of contaminants encountered in the manufacture of rocket engine hardware.

Eddy-current system for the vibration-testing of blades

DOEpatents

Jacobs, Martin E.

1977-01-01

This invention is an improved system for the vibration-testing of cantilevered non-ferrous articles by inducing eddy currents therein. The principal advantage of the system is that relatively little heat is generated in the article being vibrated. Thus, a more accurate measurement of the fatigue characteristics of the article is obtained. Furthermore, the generation of relatively little heat in the blade permits tests to be conducted in low-pressure atmospheres simulating certain actual processes environments. Heat-generation in the vibrated article is minimized by utilizing eddy currents which are generated by an electromagnet whose magnetic field varies but does not change polarity. The typical winding for the electromagnet is excited with pulsating d.c. That is, the winding is alternately charged by connecting it across a d.c. power supply and then discharged by connecting it across a circuit for receiving current generated in the winding by self-induction. Preferably, the discharge circuit is designed so that the waveform of the discharging current approximates that of the charging current.

F-actin-based Ca signaling-a critical comparison with the current concept of Ca signaling.

PubMed

Lange, Klaus; Gartzke, Joachim

2006-11-01

A short comparative survey on the current idea of Ca signaling and the alternative concept of F-actin-based Ca signaling is given. The two hypotheses differ in one central aspect, the mechanism of Ca storage. The current theory rests on the assumption of Ca-accumulating endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles equipped with an ATP-dependent Ca pump and IP3- or ryanodine-sensitive channel-receptors for Ca-release. The alternative hypothesis proceeds from the idea of Ca storage at the high-affinity binding sites of actin filaments. Cellular sites of F-actin-based Ca storage are microvilli and the submembrane cytoskeleton. Several specific features of Ca signaling such as store-channel coupling, quantal Ca release, spiking and oscillations, biphasic and "phasic" uptake kinetics, and Ca-induced Ca release (CICR), which are not adequately described by the current concept, are inherent properties of the F-actin system and its dynamic state of treadmilling. Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Rapid architecture alternative modeling (RAAM): A framework for capability-based analysis of system of systems architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacobucci, Joseph V.

The research objective for this manuscript is to develop a Rapid Architecture Alternative Modeling (RAAM) methodology to enable traceable Pre-Milestone A decision making during the conceptual phase of design of a system of systems. Rather than following current trends that place an emphasis on adding more analysis which tends to increase the complexity of the decision making problem, RAAM improves on current methods by reducing both runtime and model creation complexity. RAAM draws upon principles from computer science, system architecting, and domain specific languages to enable the automatic generation and evaluation of architecture alternatives. For example, both mission dependent and mission independent metrics are considered. Mission dependent metrics are determined by the performance of systems accomplishing a task, such as Probability of Success. In contrast, mission independent metrics, such as acquisition cost, are solely determined and influenced by the other systems in the portfolio. RAAM also leverages advances in parallel computing to significantly reduce runtime by defining executable models that are readily amendable to parallelization. This allows the use of cloud computing infrastructures such as Amazon's Elastic Compute Cloud and the PASTEC cluster operated by the Georgia Institute of Technology Research Institute (GTRI). Also, the amount of data that can be generated when fully exploring the design space can quickly exceed the typical capacity of computational resources at the analyst's disposal. To counter this, specific algorithms and techniques are employed. Streaming algorithms and recursive architecture alternative evaluation algorithms are used that reduce computer memory requirements. Lastly, a domain specific language is created to provide a reduction in the computational time of executing the system of systems models. A domain specific language is a small, usually declarative language that offers expressive power focused on a particular problem domain by establishing an effective means to communicate the semantics from the RAAM framework. These techniques make it possible to include diverse multi-metric models within the RAAM framework in addition to system and operational level trades. A canonical example was used to explore the uses of the methodology. The canonical example contains all of the features of a full system of systems architecture analysis study but uses fewer tasks and systems. Using RAAM with the canonical example it was possible to consider both system and operational level trades in the same analysis. Once the methodology had been tested with the canonical example, a Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) capability model was developed. Due to the sensitive nature of analyses on that subject, notional data was developed. The notional data has similar trends and properties to realistic Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses data. RAAM was shown to be traceable and provided a mechanism for a unified treatment of a variety of metrics. The SEAD capability model demonstrated lower computer runtimes and reduced model creation complexity as compared to methods currently in use. To determine the usefulness of the implementation of the methodology on current computing hardware, RAAM was tested with system of system architecture studies of different sizes. This was necessary since system of systems may be called upon to accomplish thousands of tasks. It has been clearly demonstrated that RAAM is able to enumerate and evaluate the types of large, complex design spaces usually encountered in capability based design, oftentimes providing the ability to efficiently search the entire decision space. The core algorithms for generation and evaluation of alternatives scale linearly with expected problem sizes. The SEAD capability model outputs prompted the discovery a new issue, the data storage and manipulation requirements for an analysis. Two strategies were developed to counter large data sizes, the use of portfolio views and top 'n' analysis. This proved the usefulness of the RAAM framework and methodology during Pre-Milestone A capability based analysis. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

From Inflammation to Current and Alternative Therapies Involved in Wound Healing

PubMed Central

Serra, Mariana Barreto; da Silva, Neemias Neves; Abreu, Iracelle Carvalho

2017-01-01

Wound healing is a complex event that develops in three overlapping phases: inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling. These phases are distinct in function and histological characteristics. However, they depend on the interaction of cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, and chemical mediators from cells to perform regulatory events. In this article, we will review the pathway in the skin healing cascade, relating the major chemical inflammatory mediators, cellular and molecular, as well as demonstrating the local and systemic factors that interfere in healing and disorders associated with tissue repair deficiency. Finally, we will discuss the current therapeutic interventions in the wounds treatment, and the alternative therapies used as promising results in the development of new products with healing potential. PMID:28811953

How to design a targeted agricultural subsidy system: efficiency or equity?

PubMed

Cong, Rong-Gang; Brady, Mark

2012-01-01

In this paper we appraise current agricultural subsidy policy in the EU. Several sources of its inefficiency are identified: it is inefficient for supporting farmers' incomes or guaranteeing food security, and irrational transfer payments decoupled from actual performance that may be negative for environmental protection, social cohesion, etc. Based on a simplified economic model, we prove that there is "reverse redistribution" in the current tax-subsidy system, which cannot be avoided. To find a possible way to distribute subsidies more efficiently and equitably, several alternative subsidy systems (the pure loan, the harvest tax and the income contingent loan) are presented and examined.

How to Design a Targeted Agricultural Subsidy System: Efficiency or Equity?

PubMed Central

Cong, Rong-Gang; Brady, Mark

2012-01-01

In this paper we appraise current agricultural subsidy policy in the EU. Several sources of its inefficiency are identified: it is inefficient for supporting farmers’ incomes or guaranteeing food security, and irrational transfer payments decoupled from actual performance that may be negative for environmental protection, social cohesion, etc. Based on a simplified economic model, we prove that there is “reverse redistribution” in the current tax-subsidy system, which cannot be avoided. To find a possible way to distribute subsidies more efficiently and equitably, several alternative subsidy systems (the pure loan, the harvest tax and the income contingent loan) are presented and examined. PMID:22876283

Large Aircraft Robotic Paint Stripping (LARPS) system and the high pressure water process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

See, David W.; Hofacker, Scott A.; Stone, M. Anthony; Harbaugh, Darcy

1993-03-01

The aircraft maintenance industry is beset by new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines on air emissions, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, dwindling labor markets, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety guidelines, and increased operating costs. In light of these factors, the USAF's Wright Laboratory Manufacturing Technology Directorate and the Aircraft Division of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center initiated a MANTECH/REPTECH effort to automate an alternate paint removal method and eliminate the current manual methylene chloride chemical stripping methods. This paper presents some of the background and history of the LARPS program, describes the LARPS system, documents the projected operational flow, quantifies some of the projected system benefits and describes the High Pressure Water Stripping Process. Certification of an alternative paint removal method to replace the current chemical process is being performed in two phases: Process Optimization and Process Validation. This paper also presents the results of the Process Optimization for metal substrates. Data on the coating removal rate, residual stresses, surface roughness, preliminary process envelopes, and technical plans for process Validation Testing will be discussed.

Method and apparatus for controlling electroslag remelting

DOEpatents

Maguire, Michael C.; Zanner, Frank J.; Damkroger, Brian K.; Miszkiel, Mark E.; Aronson, Eugene A.

1994-01-01

Method and apparatus for controlling electrode immersion depth in an electroslag remelting furnace. The phase difference of the alternating current circuit established in the furnace is calculated in real time and employed to more accurately control immersion depth than possible with voltage-swing systems.

Multi-stage separations based on dielectrophoresis

DOEpatents

Mariella, Jr., Raymond P.

2004-07-13

A system utilizing multi-stage traps based on dielectrophoresis. Traps with electrodes arranged transverse to the flow and traps with electrodes arranged parallel to the flow with combinations of direct current and alternating voltage are used to trap, concentrate, separate, and/or purify target particles.

Performance measures for freight & general traffic : investigating similarities and differences using alternate data sources.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

Recent advances in probe vehicle data collection systems have enabled monitoring traffic : conditions at finer temporal and spatial resolution. The primary objective of the current study is : to leverage these probe data sources to understand if ther...

Termination for superconducting power transmission systems

DOEpatents

Forsyth, E.B.; Jensen, J.E.

1975-08-26

This patent relates to a cold, electrical gradient, terminal section for a superconducting cable for alternating current power transmission. A cold electrical gradient section filled with a gaseous coolant acting as an insulator is provided in series with a separate thermal gradient section. (auth)

An approach for the anticipatory and participatory management of current and future flood risks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luther, J.

2012-04-01

Despite the fact that many measures to attenuate flood hazards and reduce vulnerabilities are being implemented, adverse effects of floods are ever-increasing in most parts of the world. On the one hand this holds true for economically and/or demographically growing regions. On the other hand this applies also to areas that face population shrinkage and economic problems. Such flood risks occur in human-environment systems and are subject to dynamics caused by a number of drivers such as climate change, land-use changes, and others. Many drivers evolve slowly over time or show time-lag effects and long return periods. Moreover, certain decisions may determine the control actions of the following decades. At present, current flood risks are mostly determined based on historic developments and the ex post analysis of flood events. Approaches that look at the future dynamics of both hazards and vulnerable elements ex ante in an integrated manner are rare. Instead, future hazard scenarios are often just overlaid with current socio-economic data, which poses a strong inconsistency. Usually the focus lies on rather short-term, specific or local problems. But many developments and measures show their effects only after long time periods and when considering the whole catchment area. This calls for a holistic and long-term view into the future and implies the challenge of dealing with many uncertainties due to the system's complexity. In order to anticipate and react to these developments, this contribution suggests developing a flexible, yet holistic approach to design, analyse and evaluate alternative futures of such human-environment systems. These futures follow a scenario understanding that considers both specific (current) factor constellations as well as consistent assumptions on autonomous developments (so-called development frameworks) and potentials for control (strategic alternatives) of the interacting entities that influence flood risk. Different scenario concepts and the application of respective techniques are thus reviewed and incorporated with regard to their suitability for an integrated management of current and future flood risks. In particular, "hybrid scenarios" with qualitative and quantitative components represented by nested models as well as assumptions across different spatiotemporal scales, respectively, are suggested for dealing with the uncertainties when assessing flood risks throughout a system's possible evolution. The (initially top-down developed) approach and its components will be briefly presented. These "scenario products" could later serve as a stimulus for discussions that bring together different actors and enhance - and eventually legitimise - the scenarios further in a "scenario process": (1) A first step is the conceptualisation of a flood risk system following the SPRC-model. Its physical geographical and anthropogenic factors may either be subject to autonomous trends, target-oriented control, or facultative system behaviour (e.g. dike breaches). With this concept, the integration of different processes and scales is aspired. (2) Secondly, it is conceptually shown how the risk cascade for present and future states of the flood risk system can be calculated based on coupled models ranging from climate change projections to a damage simulation models. (3) Thirdly, ways to develop socioeconomic storylines for the development frameworks and guiding principles for the strategic alternatives are presented and the futures are combined. This involves making plausible and consistent assumptions for many system factors and their drivers and finding ways to harmonise existing data for the same areas and time steps. (4) Fourthly, selected futures can be analysed and evaluated ex ante applying the coupled models of the second step to derive the emerging flood risks. The evaluation addresses, amongst other aspects, the identification of (i) the sensitivity of all scenarios against the current strategic alternative; (ii) the resulting risks when applying different strategic alternatives against one selected scenario; (iii) the efficiency (as cost-effectiveness) and robustness of one selected strategic alternative against the different scenarios; and (iv) the model uncertainty, for example caused by different climate downscaling methods. It is of growing importance to place any scenario/simulation results in a societal or even individual context and confront them with the perspectives of the people potentially affected. Only this yields a holistic picture and may lead to sustainable, comprehensible decisions. The approach is partly exemplified with research conducted in Saxony (Germany) and the Elbe River catchment in Central Europe and concentrates on river or plain floods, neglecting water quality issues.

“Health Courts” and Accountability for Patient Safety

PubMed Central

Mello, Michelle M; Studdert, David M; Kachalia, Allen B; Brennan, Troyen A

2006-01-01

Proposals that medical malpractice claims be removed from the tort system and processed in an alternative system, known as administrative compensation or ‘health courts,’ attract considerable policy interest during malpractice ‘crises,’ including the current one. This article describes current proposals for the design of a health court system and the system's advantages for improving patient safety. Among these advantages are the cultivation of a culture of transparency regarding medical errors and the creation of mechanisms to gather and analyze data on medical injuries. The article discusses the experiences of foreign countries with administrative compensation systems for medical injury, including their use of claims data for research on patient safety; choices regarding the compensation system's relationship to physician disciplinary processes; and the proposed system's possible limitations. PMID:16953807

Implementation and Evaluation of Microcomputer Systems for the Republic of Turkey’s Naval Ships.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-03-01

important database design tool for both logical and physical database design, such as flowcharts or pseudocodes are used for program design. Logical...string manipulation in FORTRAN is difficult but not impossible. BASIC ( Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code): Basic is currently the most...63 APPENDIX B GLOSSARY/ACRONYM LIST AC Alternating Current AP Application Program BASIC Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code CCP

Current and emerging lipid-based systems for transdermal drug delivery.

PubMed

Singla, Sumeet K; Sachdeva, Vishal

2015-01-01

Developing a transdermal drug delivery system is a challenging task considering the selective permeability of the skin and the physicochemical properties the drug must possess to permeate through the skin. Lipid-based drug delivery systems have contributed a great deal in this direction in the last few decades, and thereby have helped to expand the range of therapeutic molecules that can be delivered through the skin in a safe and effective manner. Additionally, vesicular delivery systems such as nanoparticles and emulsions have also played important roles in providing alternative novel approaches for drug delivery. In this article, we will discuss some of the current and future lipid-based systems for transdermal drug delivery along with the associated challenges.

Anaerobic soil disinfestation for soil borne disease control in strawberry and vegetable systems: Current knowledge and future directions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD), a biological alternative to soil fumigation, has been shown to control a wide range of soil-borne pathogens and nematodes in numerous crop production systems across Japan, the Netherlands and the U.S. A brief review of the status of the science behind ASD and its...

Transportation Observations, Considerations, and Recommendations relative to the Eastern Sierra Expanded Transit System and the Reds Meadow Shuttle Provided by the Interagency Transportation Assistance Group (TAG) / Alternative Transportation in Parks and

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-08-21

A field investigation of the current transportation issues and opportunities relative to the Eastern Sierra Expanded Transit System and the Reds Meadow Shuttle by the inter-agency Transportation Assistance Group (TAG) was conducted August 21-23, 2007...

Novel dielectric reduces corona breakdown in ac capacitors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loehner, J. L.

1972-01-01

Dielectric system was developed which consists of two layers of 25-gage paper separated by one layer of 50-gage polypropylene to reduce corona breakdown in ac capacitors. System can be used in any alternating current application where constant voltage does not exceed 400 V rms. With a little research it could probably be increased to 700 to 800 V rms.

Method for controlling brazing

DOEpatents

Hosking, F Michael [Albuquerque, NM; Hall, Aaron C [Albuquerque, NM; Givler, Richard C [Albuquerque, NM; Walker, Charles A [Albuquerque, NM

2006-08-01

A method for making a braze joint across a discontinuity in a work piece using alternating current. A filler metal is pre-placed at a location sufficiently close to the discontinuity such that, when an alternating current is applied across a work piece to heat the work piece and melt the filler metal, the filler metal is drawn into the discontinuity. The alternating current is maintained for a set residence time, generally less than 10 seconds and more particularly less than 3 seconds. The alternating current is then altered, generally by reducing the current and/or voltage such that the filler metal can solidify to form a braze joint of desired quality and thickness.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liun, Edwaren, E-mail: edwaren@batan.go.id; Suparman, E-mail: edwaren@batan.go.id

Regarding nuclear power plant development in Bangka Island, it can be estimated that produced power will be oversupply for the Bangka Island and needs to transmit to Sumatra or Java Island. The distance between the regions or islands causing considerable loss of power in transmission by alternating current, and a wide range of technical and economical issues. The objective of this paper addresses to economics analysis of direct current transmission system to overcome those technical problem. Direct current transmission has a stable characteristic, so that the power delivery from Bangka to Sumatra or Java in a large scale efficiently andmore » reliably can be done. HVDC system costs depend on the power capacity applied to the system and length of the transmission line in addition to other variables that may be different.« less

Measuring the Resilience of Advanced Life Support Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, Ann Maria; Dearden, Richard; Levri, Julie A.

2002-01-01

Despite the central importance of crew safety in designing and operating a life support system, the metric commonly used to evaluate alternative Advanced Life Support (ALS) technologies does not currently provide explicit techniques for measuring safety. The resilience of a system, or the system s ability to meet performance requirements and recover from component-level faults, is fundamentally a dynamic property. This paper motivates the use of computer models as a tool to understand and improve system resilience throughout the design process. Extensive simulation of a hybrid computational model of a water revitalization subsystem (WRS) with probabilistic, component-level faults provides data about off-nominal behavior of the system. The data can then be used to test alternative measures of resilience as predictors of the system s ability to recover from component-level faults. A novel approach to measuring system resilience using a Markov chain model of performance data is also developed. Results emphasize that resilience depends on the complex interaction of faults, controls, and system dynamics, rather than on simple fault probabilities.

Fast tomographic methods for the tokamak ISTTOK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, P. J.; Thomsen, H.; Gori, S.; Toussaint, U. v.; Weller, A.; Coelho, R.; Neto, A.; Pereira, T.; Silva, C.; Fernandes, H.

2008-04-01

The achievement of long duration, alternating current discharges on the tokamak IST-TOK requires a real-time plasma position control system. The plasma position determination based on magnetic probes system has been found to be inadequate during the current inversion due to the reduced plasma current. A tomography diagnostic has been therefore installed to supply the required feedback to the control system. Several tomographic methods are available for soft X-ray or bolo-metric tomography, among which the Cormack and Neural networks methods stand out due to their inherent speed of up to 1000 reconstructions per second, with currently available technology. This paper discusses the application of these algorithms on fusion devices while comparing performance and reliability of the results. It has been found that although the Cormack based inversion proved to be faster, the neural networks reconstruction has fewer artifacts and is more accurate.

Results of the harmonics measurement program at the John F. Long photovoltaic house

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campen, G. L.

1982-03-01

Photovoltaic (PV) systems used in single-family dwellings require an inverter to act as an interface between the direct-current (dc) power output of the PV unit and the alternating-current (ac) power needed by house loads. A type of inverter known as line commutated injects harmonic currents on the ac side and requires large amounts of reactive power. Large numbers of such PV installations could lead to unacceptable levels of harmonic voltages on the utility system, and the need to increase the utility's deliver of reactive power could result in significant cost increases. The harmonics and power-factor effects are examined for a single PV installation using a line-commutated inverter. The magnitude and phase of various currents and voltages from the fundamental to the 13th harmonic were recorded both with and without the operation of the PV system.

Performance Testing of a High Temperature Linear Alternator for Stirling Convertors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metscher, Jonathan; Geng, Steven

2016-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center has conducted performance testing of a high temperature linear alternator (HTLA) in support of Stirling power convertor development for potential future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS). The high temperature linear alternator is a modified version of that used in Sunpowers Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC), and is capable of operation at temperatures up to 200 C. Increasing the temperature capability of the linear alternator could expand the mission space of future Stirling RPS designs. High temperature Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets were selected for the HTLA application, and were fully characterized and tested prior to uses. Higher temperature epoxy for alternator assembly was also selected and tested for thermal stability and strength. A characterization test was performed on the HTLA to measure its performance at various amplitudes, loads, and temperatures. HTLA endurance testing at 200 C is currently underway.

Performance Testing of a High Temperature Linear Alternator for Stirling Convertors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metscher, Jonathan F.; Geng, Steven M.

2016-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center has conducted performance testing of a high temperature linear alternator (HTLA) in support of Stirling power convertor development for potential future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS). The high temperature linear alternator is a modified version of that used in Sunpower's Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC), and is capable of operation at temperatures up to 200 deg. Increasing the temperature capability of the linear alternator could expand the mission set of future Stirling RPS designs. High temperature Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets were selected for the HTLA application, and were fully characterized and tested prior to use. Higher temperature epoxy for alternator assembly was also selected and tested for thermal stability and strength. A characterization test was performed on the HTLA to measure its performance at various amplitudes, loads, and temperatures. HTLA endurance testing at 200 deg is currently underway.

Hijacking bacterial glycosylation for the production of glycoconjugates, from vaccines to humanised glycoproteins.

PubMed

Cuccui, Jon; Wren, Brendan

2015-03-01

Glycosylation or the modification of a cellular component with a carbohydrate moiety has been demonstrated in all three domains of life as a basic post-translational process important in a range of biological processes. This review will focus on the latest studies attempting to exploit bacterial N-linked protein glycosylation for glycobiotechnological applications including glycoconjugate vaccine and humanised glycoprotein production. The challenges that remain for these approaches to reach full biotechnological maturity will be discussed. Oligosaccharyltransferase-dependent N-linked glycosylation can be exploited to make glycoconjugate vaccines against bacterial pathogens. Few technical limitations remain, but it is likely that the technologies developed will soon be considered a cost-effective and flexible alternative to current chemical-based methods of vaccine production. Some highlights from current glycoconjugate vaccines developed using this in-vivo production system include a vaccine against Shigella dysenteriae O1 that has passed phase 1 clinical trials, a vaccine against the tier 1 pathogen Francisella tularensis that has shown efficacy in mice and a vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus serotypes 5 and 8. Generation of humanised glycoproteins within bacteria was considered impossible due to the distinct nature of glycan modification in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. We describe the method used to overcome this conundrum to allow engineering of a eukaryotic pentasaccharide core sugar modification within Escherichia coli. This core was assembled by combining the function of the initiating transferase WecA, several Alg genes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the oligosaccharyltransferase function of the Campylobacter jejuni PglB. Further exploitation of a cytoplasmic N-linked glycosylation system found in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae where the central enzyme is known as N-linking glycosyltransferase has overcome some of the limitations demonstrated by the oligosaccharyltransferase-dependent system. Characterisation of the first bacterial N-linked glycosylation system in the human enteropathogen Campylobacter jejuni has led to substantial biotechnological applications. Alternative methods for glycoconjugate vaccine production have been developed using this N-linked system. Vaccines against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms have been developed, and efficacy testing has thus far demonstrated that the vaccines are safe and that robust immune responses are being detected. These are likely to complement and reduce the cost of current technologies thus opening new avenues for glycoconjugate vaccines. These new markets could potentially include glycoconjugate vaccines tailored specifically for animal vaccination, which has until today thought to be non-viable due to the cost of current in-vitro chemical conjugation methods. Utilisation of N-linked glycosylation to generate humanised glycoproteins is also close to becoming reality. This 'bottom up' assembly mechanism removes the heterogeneity seen in current humanised products. The majority of developments reported in this review exploit a single N-linked glycosylation system from Campylobacter jejuni; however, alternative N-linked glycosylation systems have been discovered which should help to overcome current technical limitations and perhaps more systems remain to be discovered. The likelihood is that further glycosylation systems exist and are waiting to be exploited. © 2014 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Results of the Alternative Water Processor Test, A Novel Technology for Exploration Wastewater Remediation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vega, Leticia; Meyer, Caitlin

2016-01-01

Biologically-based water recovery systems are a regenerative, low energy alternative to physiochemical processes to reclaim water from wastewater. This paper summarizes the results of the Alternative Water Processor (AWP) test conducted over one year. The AWP recovered 90% of water from four crewmembers using (4) membrane aerated bioreactors (MABRs) to remove carbon and nitrogen from an exploration mission wastewater, including urine, hygiene, laundry and humidity condensate. Downstream, a coupled forward and reverse osmosis system removed large organics and inorganic salts from the biological system effluent. The system exceeded the overall objectives of the test by recovering 90% of the influent wastewater processed and a 29% reduction of consumables from the current state of the art water recovery system on the International Space Station (ISS). However the biological system fell short of its test goals, failing to remove 75% and 90% of the influent ammonium and organic carbon, respectively. Despite not meeting its test goals, the BWP demonstrated the feasibility of an attached-growth biological system for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, an innovative, volume and consumable-saving design that doesn't require toxic pretreatment. This paper will explain the reasons for this and will discuss steps to optimize each subsystem to increase effluent quality from the MABRs and the FOST to advance the system.

Results of the Alternative Water Processor Test, A Novel Technology for Exploration Wastewater Remediation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vega, Leticia; Meyer, Caitlin

2015-01-01

Biologically-based water recovery systems are a regenerative, low energy alternative to physiochemical processes to reclaim water from wastewater. This paper summarizes the results of the Alternative Water Processor (AWP) test conducted over one year. The AWP recovered 90% of water from four crewmembers using (4) membrane aerated bioreactors (MABRs) to remove carbon and nitrogen from an exploration mission wastewater, including urine, hygiene, laundry and humidity condensate. Downstream, a coupled forward and reverse osmosis system removed large organics and inorganic salts from the biological system effluent. The system exceeded the overall objectives of the test by recovering 90% of the influent wastewater processed and a 29% reduction of consumables from the current state of the art water recovery system on the International Space Station (ISS). However the biological system fell short of its test goals, failing to remove 75% and 90% of the influent ammonium and organic carbon, respectively. Despite not meeting its test goals, the BWP demonstrated the feasibility of an attachedgrowth biological system for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification, an innovative, volume and consumable-saving design that doesn't require toxic pretreatment. This paper will explain the reasons for this and will discuss steps to optimize each subsystem to increase effluent quality from the MABRs and the FOST to advance the system.

Development and Validation of Linear Alternator Models for the Advanced Stirling Convertor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metscher, Jonathan F.; Lewandowski, Edward

2014-01-01

Two models of the linear alternator of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) have been developed using the Sage 1-D modeling software package. The first model relates the piston motion to electric current by means of a motor constant. The second uses electromagnetic model components to model the magnetic circuit of the alternator. The models are tuned and validated using test data and compared against each other. Results show both models can be tuned to achieve results within 7% of ASC test data under normal operating conditions. Using Sage enables the creation of a complete ASC model to be developed and simulations completed quickly compared to more complex multi-dimensional models. These models allow for better insight into overall Stirling convertor performance, aid with Stirling power system modeling, and in the future support NASA mission planning for Stirling-based power systems.

Development and Validation of Linear Alternator Models for the Advanced Stirling Convertor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metscher, Jonathan F.; Lewandowski, Edward J.

2015-01-01

Two models of the linear alternator of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) have been developed using the Sage 1-D modeling software package. The first model relates the piston motion to electric current by means of a motor constant. The second uses electromagnetic model components to model the magnetic circuit of the alternator. The models are tuned and validated using test data and also compared against each other. Results show both models can be tuned to achieve results within 7 of ASC test data under normal operating conditions. Using Sage enables the creation of a complete ASC model to be developed and simulations completed quickly compared to more complex multi-dimensional models. These models allow for better insight into overall Stirling convertor performance, aid with Stirling power system modeling, and in the future support NASA mission planning for Stirling-based power systems.

Preliminary comparative assessment of land use for the Satellite Power System (SPS) and alternative electric energy technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newsom, D. E.; Wolsko, T.

1980-01-01

A preliminary comparative assessment of land use for the satellite power system (SPS), other solar technologies, and alternative electric energy technologies was conducted. The alternative technologies are coal gasification/combined-cycle, coal fluidized-bed combustion (FBC), light water reactor (LWR), liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR), terrestrial photovoltaics (TPV), solar thermal electric (STE), and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). The major issues of a land use assessment are the quantity, purpose, duration, location, and costs of the required land use. The phased methodology described treats the first four issues, but not the costs. Several past efforts are comparative or single technology assessment are reviewed briefly. The current state of knowledge about land use is described for each technology. Conclusions are drawn regarding deficiencies in the data on comparative land use and needs for further research.

Fluid Dynamics Assessment of the VPCAR Water Recovery System in Partial and Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niederhaus, Charles; Nahra, Henry; Flynn, Michael

2006-01-01

The Vapor Phase Catalytic Ammonia Removal (VPCAR) system is being developed to recycle water for future NASA Exploration Missions. Testing was recently conducted on NASA s C-9B Reduced Gravity Aircraft to determine the microgravity performance of a key component of the VPCAR water recovery system. Six flights were conducted to evaluate the fluid dynamics of the Wiped-Film Rotating Disk (WFRD) distillation component of the VPCAR system in microgravity, focusing on the water delivery method. The experiments utilized a simplified system to study the process of forming a thin film on a disk similar to that in the evaporator section of VPCAR. Fluid issues are present with the current configuration, and the initial alternative configurations were only partial successful in microgravity operation. The underlying causes of these issues are understood, and new alternatives are being designed to rectify the problems.

HIGH FREQUENCY POWER TRANSMISSION LINE FOR CYCLOTRONS AND THE LIKE

DOEpatents

Armstrong, W.J.

1954-04-20

High-frequency power transmission systems, particularly a stacked capacitance alternating power current transmission line wherein maximum utilization of the effective conductios skin of the line conductors is achieved while enabling a low impedance to be obtained are reported. The transmission line consists of a number of flat metal strips with interleaved dielectric strips. The metal dielectric strips are coiled spirally with the axis of the spiral extending along the length of the strips, and the alternating metal strips at the output end have outwardly extending aligned lugs which are directly strapped together and connected to the respective terminals on the load. At the input end of the transmission line, similarly, the alternate metal strips are directly strapped together and connected to an altereating current source. With the arrangement described each metal strip conducts on both sides, so that the metal strips are designed to have a thickness corresponding to twice the depth of the "skin effect" conducting lamina of each conductor at the source frequency.

Hunters' acceptability of the surveillance system and alternative surveillance strategies for classical swine fever in wild boar - a participatory approach.

PubMed

Schulz, Katja; Calba, Clémentine; Peyre, Marisa; Staubach, Christoph; Conraths, Franz J

2016-09-06

Surveillance measures can only be effective if key players in the system accept them. Acceptability, which describes the willingness of persons to contribute, is often analyzed using participatory methods. Participatory epidemiology enables the active involvement of key players in the assessment of epidemiological issues. In the present study, we used a participatory method recently developed by CIRAD (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement) to evaluate the functionality and acceptability of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) surveillance in wild boar in Germany, which is highly dependent on the participation of hunters. The acceptability of alternative surveillance strategies was also analyzed. By conducting focus group discussions, potential vulnerabilities in the system were detected and feasible alternative surveillance strategies identified. Trust in the current surveillance system is high, whereas the acceptability of the operation of the system is medium. Analysis of the acceptability of alternative surveillance strategies showed how risk-based surveillance approaches can be combined to develop strategies that have sufficient support and functionality. Furthermore, some surveillance strategies were clearly rejected by the hunters. Thus, the implementation of such strategies may be difficult. Participatory methods can be used to evaluate the functionality and acceptability of existing surveillance plans for CSF among hunters and to optimize plans regarding their chances of successful implementation.

High-κ gate dielectrics: Current status and materials properties considerations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilk, G. D.; Wallace, R. M.; Anthony, J. M.

2001-05-01

Many materials systems are currently under consideration as potential replacements for SiO2 as the gate dielectric material for sub-0.1 μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. A systematic consideration of the required properties of gate dielectrics indicates that the key guidelines for selecting an alternative gate dielectric are (a) permittivity, band gap, and band alignment to silicon, (b) thermodynamic stability, (c) film morphology, (d) interface quality, (e) compatibility with the current or expected materials to be used in processing for CMOS devices, (f) process compatibility, and (g) reliability. Many dielectrics appear favorable in some of these areas, but very few materials are promising with respect to all of these guidelines. A review of current work and literature in the area of alternate gate dielectrics is given. Based on reported results and fundamental considerations, the pseudobinary materials systems offer large flexibility and show the most promise toward successful integration into the expected processing conditions for future CMOS technologies, especially due to their tendency to form at interfaces with Si (e.g. silicates). These pseudobinary systems also thereby enable the use of other high-κ materials by serving as an interfacial high-κ layer. While work is ongoing, much research is still required, as it is clear that any material which is to replace SiO2 as the gate dielectric faces a formidable challenge. The requirements for process integration compatibility are remarkably demanding, and any serious candidates will emerge only through continued, intensive investigation.

30 CFR 75.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three... STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900 Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers...

30 CFR 77.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.900 Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers. Low- and medium-voltage circuits...

30 CFR 75.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three... STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900 Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers...

30 CFR 75.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three... STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900 Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers...

30 CFR 77.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.900 Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers. Low- and medium-voltage circuits...

30 CFR 77.900 - Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving... Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 77.900 Low- and medium-voltage circuits serving portable or mobile three-phase alternating current equipment; circuit breakers. Low- and medium-voltage circuits...

Home Sewage Disposal. Special Circular 212.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wooding, N. Henry

This circular provides current information for homeowners who must repair or replace existing on-lot sewage disposal systems. Site requirements, characteristics and preparation are outlined for a variety of alternatives such as elevated sand mounds, sand-lined beds and trenches, and oversized absorption area. Diagrams indicating construction…

46 CFR 112.40-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false General requirements. 112.40-1 Section 112.40-1 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND POWER SYSTEMS Alternating-Current Temporary Source of Supply § 112.40-1 General requirements...

46 CFR 112.40-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false General requirements. 112.40-1 Section 112.40-1 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND POWER SYSTEMS Alternating-Current Temporary Source of Supply § 112.40-1 General requirements...

46 CFR 112.40-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false General requirements. 112.40-1 Section 112.40-1 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND POWER SYSTEMS Alternating-Current Temporary Source of Supply § 112.40-1 General requirements...

46 CFR 112.40-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false General requirements. 112.40-1 Section 112.40-1 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND POWER SYSTEMS Alternating-Current Temporary Source of Supply § 112.40-1 General requirements...

46 CFR 112.40-1 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false General requirements. 112.40-1 Section 112.40-1 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND POWER SYSTEMS Alternating-Current Temporary Source of Supply § 112.40-1 General requirements...

Applications in Educational Assessment: Future Technologies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bank Street Coll. of Education, New York, NY. Center for Children and Technology.

The development of improved and alternative methods of educational assessment should take advantage of technologies that enable different aspects of learning, teaching, and student achievement to be part of an improved assessment system. The current understanding of knowledge assessment, new approaches to assessment, and technologies that may…

Application of Principles of Performance-Based Assessment to Corporate Certifications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foshay, Wellesley R.; Hale, Judith

2017-01-01

Performance based assessment is currently receiving renewed attention as an alternative to conventional testing. We argue that performance based assessment, supported by a microcredentialing system, is particularly well suited to corporate environments that stress strategic development of their workforce capacities. There are important…

Technology for Career Information Delivery. Conference Proceedings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kimmel, Karen S., Ed.; Blank, Joan C., Ed.

These proceedings contain 27 papers developed for a conference at which information was provided on currently available and future technological alternatives for delivery of career information. The presentations by staff of State Occupational Information Coordinating Committees, Career Information Delivery Systems, and hardware vendors are grouped…

An electric generator using living Torpedo electric organs controlled by fluid pressure-based alternative nervous systems

PubMed Central

Tanaka, Yo; Funano, Shun-ichi; Nishizawa, Yohei; Kamamichi, Norihiro; Nishinaka, Masahiro; Kitamori, Takehiko

2016-01-01

Direct electric power generation using biological functions have become a research focus due to their low cost and cleanliness. Unlike major approaches using glucose fuels or microbial fuel cells (MFCs), we present a generation method with intrinsically high energy conversion efficiency and generation with arbitrary timing using living electric organs of Torpedo (electric rays) which are serially integrated electrocytes converting ATP into electric energy. We developed alternative nervous systems using fluid pressure to stimulate electrocytes by a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine (Ach), and demonstrated electric generation. Maximum voltage and current were 1.5 V and 0.64 mA, respectively, with a duration time of a few seconds. We also demonstrated energy accumulation in a capacitor. The current was far larger than that using general cells other than electrocytes (~pA level). The generation ability was confirmed against repetitive cycles and also after preservation for 1 day. This is the first step toward ATP-based energy harvesting devices. PMID:27241817

An electric generator using living Torpedo electric organs controlled by fluid pressure-based alternative nervous systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Yo; Funano, Shun-Ichi; Nishizawa, Yohei; Kamamichi, Norihiro; Nishinaka, Masahiro; Kitamori, Takehiko

2016-05-01

Direct electric power generation using biological functions have become a research focus due to their low cost and cleanliness. Unlike major approaches using glucose fuels or microbial fuel cells (MFCs), we present a generation method with intrinsically high energy conversion efficiency and generation with arbitrary timing using living electric organs of Torpedo (electric rays) which are serially integrated electrocytes converting ATP into electric energy. We developed alternative nervous systems using fluid pressure to stimulate electrocytes by a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine (Ach), and demonstrated electric generation. Maximum voltage and current were 1.5 V and 0.64 mA, respectively, with a duration time of a few seconds. We also demonstrated energy accumulation in a capacitor. The current was far larger than that using general cells other than electrocytes (~pA level). The generation ability was confirmed against repetitive cycles and also after preservation for 1 day. This is the first step toward ATP-based energy harvesting devices.

Projecting the effects of long-term care policy on the labor market participation of primary informal family caregivers of elderly with disability: insights from a dynamic simulation model.

PubMed

Ansah, John P; Matchar, David B; Malhotra, Rahul; Love, Sean R; Liu, Chang; Do, Young

2016-03-23

Using Singapore as a case study, this paper aims to understand the effects of the current long-term care policy and various alternative policy options on the labor market participation of primary informal family caregivers of elderly with disability. A model of the long-term care system in Singapore was developed using System Dynamics methodology. Under the current long-term care policy, by 2030, 6.9 percent of primary informal family caregivers (0.34 percent of the domestic labor supply) are expected to withdraw from the labor market. Alternative policy options reduce primary informal family caregiver labor market withdrawal; however, the number of workers required to scale up long-term care services is greater than the number of caregivers who can be expected to return to the labor market. Policymakers may face a dilemma between admitting more foreign workers to provide long-term care services and depending on primary informal family caregivers.

Life-cycle energy impacts for adapting an urban water supply system to droughts.

PubMed

Lam, Ka Leung; Stokes-Draut, Jennifer R; Horvath, Arpad; Lane, Joe L; Kenway, Steven J; Lant, Paul A

2017-12-15

In recent years, cities in some water stressed regions have explored alternative water sources such as seawater desalination and potable water recycling in spite of concerns over increasing energy consumption. In this study, we evaluate the current and future life-cycle energy impacts of four alternative water supply strategies introduced during a decade-long drought in South East Queensland (SEQ), Australia. These strategies were: seawater desalination, indirect potable water recycling, network integration, and rainwater tanks. Our work highlights the energy burden of alternative water supply strategies which added approximately 24% life-cycle energy use to the existing supply system (with surface water sources) in SEQ even for a current post-drought low utilisation status. Over half of this additional life-cycle energy use was from the centralised alternative supply strategies. Rainwater tanks contributed an estimated 3% to regional water supply, but added over 10% life-cycle energy use to the existing system. In the future scenario analysis, we compare the life-cycle energy use between "Normal", "Dry", "High water demand" and "Design capacity" scenarios. In the "Normal" scenario, a long-term low utilisation of the desalination system and the water recycling system has greatly reduced the energy burden of these centralised strategies to only 13%. In contrast, higher utilisation in the unlikely "Dry" and "Design capacity" scenarios add 86% and 140% to life-cycle energy use of the existing system respectively. In the "High water demand" scenario, a 20% increase in per capita water use over 20 years "consumes" more energy than is used by the four alternative strategies in the "Normal" scenario. This research provides insight for developing more realistic long-term scenarios to evaluate and compare life-cycle energy impacts of drought-adaptation infrastructure and regional decentralised water sources. Scenario building for life-cycle assessments of water supply systems should consider i) climate variability and, therefore, infrastructure utilisation rate, ii) potential under-utilisation for both installed centralised and decentralised sources, and iii) the potential energy penalty for operating infrastructure well below its design capacity (e.g., the operational energy intensity of the desalination system is three times higher at low utilisation rates). This study illustrates that evaluating the life-cycle energy use and intensity of these type of supply sources without considering their realistic long-term operating scenario(s) can potentially distort and overemphasise their energy implications. To other water stressed regions, this work shows that managing long-term water demand is also important, in addition to acknowledging the energy-intensive nature of some alternative water sources. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flexible implementation of front-end bioelectric signal amplifier using FPAA for telemedicine system.

PubMed

Chan, U Fai; Chan, Wai Wong; Pun, Sio Hang; Vai, Mang I; Mak, Peng Un

2007-01-01

Traditional/Current electronic circuits for Telemedicine have significant performance on certain bioelectric signal detection. However, it is rarely seen that can handle multiple signals without changing of hardware. This paper introduces a general front-end amplifier for various bioelectric signals based on Field Programmable Analogy Array (FPAA) Technology. Employing FPAA technology, the implemented amplifier can be adapted for various bioelectric signals without alternating the circuitry while its compact size (core parts < 2 cm2) provides an alternative solution for miniaturized Telemedicine system and Wearable Devices. The proposed design implementation has demonstrated, through successfully ECG and EMG signal extractions, a quick way to miniaturize analog biomedical circuit in a convenient and cost effective way.

Beyond singular values and loop shapes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, G.

1985-01-01

The status of singular value loop-shaping as a design paradigm for multivariable feedback systems is reviewed. It shows that this paradigm is an effective design tool whenever the problem specifications are spacially round. The tool can be arbitrarily conservative, however, when they are not. This happens because singular value conditions for robust performance are not tight (necessary and sufficient) and can severely overstate actual requirements. An alternate paradign is discussed which overcomes these limitations. The alternative includes a more general problem formulation, a new matrix function mu, and tight conditions for both robust stability and robust performance. The state of the art currently permits analysis of feedback systems within this new paradigm. Synthesis remains a subject of research.

Cost/benefit trade-offs for reducing the energy consumption of commercial air transportation (RECAT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gobetz, F. W.; Dubin, A. P.

1976-01-01

A study has been performed to evaluate the opportunities for reducing the energy requirements of the U.S. domestic air passenger transport system through improved operational techniques, modified in-service aircraft, derivatives of current production models, or new aircraft using either current or advanced technology. Each of the fuel-conserving alternatives has been investigated individually to test its potential for fuel conservation relative to a hypothetical baseline case in which current, in-production aircraft types are assumed to operate, without modification and with current operational techniques, into the future out to the year 2000.

Environmental and economic comparisons of the satellite power system and six alternative energy technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Whitfield, R.G.; Habegger, L.J.; Levine, E.P.

1981-04-01

The objective of the comparative assessment is to provide an initial, traceable and consistent comparison of the SPS and selected current, near-term, and advanced energy technologies. Terrestrial alternatives were selected, and their cost, performance, and environmental and societal attributes were specified for use in the comparison with the SPS in the post-2000 era. The framework for comparisons was established. The SPS was compared with alternative systems in terms of key issues such as life-cycle cost and environmental impacts. The results of the assessments were assembled and integrated into a consistent comparative assessment. Environmental and economic effects are evaluated, which weremore » subdivided into the following issue areas: human health and safety, environmental welfare, resources (land, materials, energy, water, labor), macroeconomics, socioeconomics, and institutional. These evaluations were based on technology characterization data and alternative futures scenarios, which were developed as part of CDEP by supporting studies. The technologies and the scenarios are described. An additional major issue area concerned the cost and performance of the SPS and the alternative technologies: results in this area provided part of the basis of the macroeconomic analyses. 159 references.« less

The vulnerabilities of the power-grid system: renewable microgrids as an alternative source of energy.

PubMed

Meyer, Victor; Myres, Charles; Bakshi, Nitin

2010-03-01

The objective of this paper is to analyse the vulnerabilities of current power-grid systems and to propose alternatives to using fossil fuel power generation and infrastructure solutions in the form of microgrids, particularly those from renewable energy sources. One of the key potential benefits of microgrids, apart from their inherent sustainability and ecological advantages, is increased resilience. The analysis is targeted towards the context of business process outsourcing in India. However, much of the research on vulnerabilities has been derived from the USA and as such many of the examples cite vulnerabilities in the USA and other developed economies. Nevertheless, the vulnerabilities noted are to a degree common to all grid systems, and so the analysis may be more broadly applicable.

Second catalog of interferometric measurements of binary stars (McAlister and Hartkopf 1988): Documentation for the machine-readable version

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warren, Wayne H., Jr.

1989-01-01

The machine-readable version of the catalog, as it is currently being distributed from the Astronomical Data Center, is described. The catalog is a compilation of measurements of binary- and multiple-star systems obtained by speckle interferometric techniques; this version supersedes a previous edition of the catalog published in 1985. Stars that have been examined for multiplicity with negative results are included, in which case upper limits for the separation are given. The second version is expanded from the first in that a file of newly resolved systems and six cross-index files of alternate designations are included. The data file contains alternate identifications for the observed systems, epochs of observation, reported errors in position angles and separation, and bibliographical references.

A ground based phase control system for the solar power satellite, volume 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chie, C. M.

1980-01-01

A ground phase control system is studied as an alternative approach to the current reference retrodirective phase control system in order to simplify the spaceborne hardware requirement. Based on waveform selections, functional subsystems to implement the ground-based phase control concept are identified and functionally represented. It was concluded that the feasibility of the concept becomes unclear if the conditions of the ionosphere and satellite motion are not met.

Next generation phage display by use of pVII and pIX as display scaffolds.

PubMed

Løset, Geir Åge; Sandlie, Inger

2012-09-01

Phage display technology has evolved to become an extremely versatile and powerful platform for protein engineering. The robustness of the phage particle, its ease of handling and its ability to tolerate a range of different capsid fusions are key features that explain the dominance of phage display in combinatorial engineering. Implementation of new technology is likely to ensure the continuation of its success, but has also revealed important short comings inherent to current phage display systems. This is in particular related to the biology of the two most popular display capsids, namely pIII and pVIII. Recent findings using two alternative capsids, pVII and pIX, located to the phage tip opposite that of pIII, suggest how they may be exploited to alleviate or circumvent many of these short comings. This review addresses important aspects of the current phage display standard and then discusses the use of pVII and pIX. These may both complement current systems and be used as alternative scaffolds for display and selection to further improve phage display as the ultimate combinatorial engineering platform. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expanding Access: An Evaluation of ReadCube Access as an ILL Alternative.

PubMed

Grabowsky, Adelia

2016-01-01

ReadCube Access is a patron-driven, document delivery system that provides immediate access to articles from journals owned by Nature Publishing Group. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of ReadCube Access as an interlibrary loan (ILL) alternative for nonsubscribed Nature journals at Auburn University, a research university with a School of Pharmacy and a School of Veterinary Medicine. An analysis of ten months' usage and costs are presented along with the results of a user satisfaction survey. Auburn University Libraries found ReadCube to be an acceptable alternative to ILL for unsubscribed Nature journals and at current levels of use and cost, consider ReadCube to be financially sustainable.

78 FR 79338 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-30

...We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of missing clamps that are required to provide positive separation between the alternating current (AC) feeder cables and the hydraulic line of the landing gear alternate extension. This proposed AD would require inspecting for missing clamps, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of the AC feeder cable. A chafed and arcing AC feeder cable could puncture the adjacent hydraulic line, which, in combination with the use of the alternate extension system, could result in an in-flight fire.

Simultaneous distribution of AC and DC power

DOEpatents

Polese, Luigi Gentile

2015-09-15

A system and method for the transport and distribution of both AC (alternating current) power and DC (direct current) power over wiring infrastructure normally used for distributing AC power only, for example, residential and/or commercial buildings' electrical wires is disclosed and taught. The system and method permits the combining of AC and DC power sources and the simultaneous distribution of the resulting power over the same wiring. At the utilization site a complementary device permits the separation of the DC power from the AC power and their reconstruction, for use in conventional AC-only and DC-only devices.

Cost-Benefit Analysis for Alternatives to Aliphatic Isocyanate Polyurethanes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Pattie

2007-01-01

NASA and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) have similar missions and therefore similar facilities and structures in similar environments. The standard practice for protecting metallic substrates in atmospheric environments is the application of an applied coating system. The most common topcoats used in coating systems are polyurethanes that contain isocyanates. Isocyanates are classified as potential human carcinogens and are known to cause cancer in animals. The primary objective of this effort was to demonstrate and validate alternatives to aliphatic isocyanate polyurethanes resulting in one or more isocyanate-free coatings qualified for use at AFSPC and NASA installations participating in this project. This Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) quantifies the estimated capital and process costs of coating alternatives and cost savings relative to the current coatings. The estimates in this CBA are to be used for assessing the relative merits of the selected alternatives. The actual economic effects at any specific facility will depend on the alternative material or technology implemented, the number of actual applications converted, future workloads, and other factors . The participants initially considered eighteen (18) alternative coatings as described in the Potential Alternatives Report entitled Potential Alternatives Report for Validation of Alternatives to Aliphatic Isocyanate Polyurethanes, prepared by ITB. Of those, 8 alternatives were selected for testing in accordance with the Joint Test Protocol entitled Joint Test Protocol for Validation of Alternatives to Aliphatic Isocyanate Polyurethanes, and the Field Test Plan entitled Field Evaluations Test Plan for Validation of Alternatives 10 Aliphatic Isocyanate Polyurethanes, both of which were prepared by ITB. A joint Test Report entitled Joint Test Report for Validation of Alternatives to Aliphatic Isocyanate Polyurethanes, prepared by ITB, documents the results of the laboratory and field testing, as well as any test modifications made during the execution of the testing. The coatings selected for evaluation in this CBA are shown in the table below. Only one control coating system is considered in this analysis. These coatings were either downselected for Phase II or performed well enough to be included in the Qualified Products List in the NASA technical standard NASA-STD-5008, Protective Coating of Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum on Launch Structures, Facilities, and Ground Support Equipment.

Impact of commercial housing systems and nutrient and energy intake on laying hen performance and egg quality parameters1

PubMed Central

Karcher, D. M.; Jones, D. R.; Abdo, Z.; Zhao, Y.; Shepherd, T. A.; Xin, H.

2015-01-01

The US egg industry is exploring alternative housing systems for laying hens. However, limited published research related to cage-free aviary systems and enriched colony cages exists related to production, egg quality, and hen nutrition. The laying hen's nutritional requirements and resulting productivity are well established with the conventional cage system, but diminutive research is available in regards to alternative housing systems. The restrictions exist with limited availability of alternative housing systems in research settings and the considerable expense for increased bird numbers in a replicate due to alternative housing system design. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of nutrient and energy intake on production and egg quality parameters from laying hens housed at a commercial facility. Lohmann LSL laying hens were housed in three systems: enriched colony cage, cage-free aviary, and conventional cage at a single commercial facility. Daily production records were collected along with dietary changes during 15 production periods (28-d each). Eggs were analyzed for shell strength, shell thickness, Haugh unit, vitelline membrane properties, and egg solids each period. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) coupled with a principal components analysis (PCA) approach was utilized to assess the impact of nutritional changes on production parameters and monitored egg quality factors. The traits of hen-day production and mortality had a response only in the PCA 2 direction. This finds that as house temperature and Met intake increases, there is an inflection point at which hen-day egg production is negatively effected. Dietary changes more directly influenced shell parameters, vitelline membrane parameters, and egg total solids as opposed to laying hen housing system. Therefore, further research needs to be conducted in controlled research settings on laying hen nutrient and energy intake in the alternative housing systems and resulting impact on egg quality measures. PMID:25630672

Impact of commercial housing systems and nutrient and energy intake on laying hen performance and egg quality parameters.

PubMed

Karcher, D M; Jones, D R; Abdo, Z; Zhao, Y; Shepherd, T A; Xin, H

2015-03-01

The US egg industry is exploring alternative housing systems for laying hens. However, limited published research related to cage-free aviary systems and enriched colony cages exists related to production, egg quality, and hen nutrition. The laying hen's nutritional requirements and resulting productivity are well established with the conventional cage system, but diminutive research is available in regards to alternative housing systems. The restrictions exist with limited availability of alternative housing systems in research settings and the considerable expense for increased bird numbers in a replicate due to alternative housing system design. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of nutrient and energy intake on production and egg quality parameters from laying hens housed at a commercial facility. Lohmann LSL laying hens were housed in three systems: enriched colony cage, cage-free aviary, and conventional cage at a single commercial facility. Daily production records were collected along with dietary changes during 15 production periods (28-d each). Eggs were analyzed for shell strength, shell thickness, Haugh unit, vitelline membrane properties, and egg solids each period. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) coupled with a principal components analysis (PCA) approach was utilized to assess the impact of nutritional changes on production parameters and monitored egg quality factors. The traits of hen-day production and mortality had a response only in the PCA 2 direction. This finds that as house temperature and Met intake increases, there is an inflection point at which hen-day egg production is negatively effected. Dietary changes more directly influenced shell parameters, vitelline membrane parameters, and egg total solids as opposed to laying hen housing system. Therefore, further research needs to be conducted in controlled research settings on laying hen nutrient and energy intake in the alternative housing systems and resulting impact on egg quality measures. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Poultry Science Association.

Creativity: Creativity in Complex Military Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-25

generation later in the problem-solving process. The design process is an alternative problem-solving framework individuals or groups use to orient...no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control ...the potential of their formations. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Creativity, Divergent Thinking, Design , Systems Thinking, Operational Art 16. SECURITY

Conceptual and Preliminary Design of a Low-Cost Precision Aerial Delivery System

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

test results. It includes an analysis of the failure modes encountered during flight experimentation , methodology used for conducting coordinate...and experimentation . Additionally, the current and desired end state of the research is addressed. Finally, this chapter outlines the methodology ...preliminary design phases are utilized to investigate and develop a potentially low-cost alternative to existing systems. Using an Agile methodology

Road user fee task force report to the 72nd Oregon Legislative Assembly on the possible alternatives of the current system of taxing highway use through motor vehicle fuel taxes

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-03-01

Recognizing that the fuel tax is a declining revenue source for Oregon's road system, the 2001 Oregon Legislative Assembly passed House Bill 3946, mandating the formation of the Road User Fee Task Force with the mission to develop a design for revenu...

Congressional Oversight of Intelligence: Current Structure and Alternatives

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-14

Intelligence Information, by Richard A. Best Jr.; CRS Report RL33639, Sources of Systemic Risk in Large Value Interbank Payment Systems, by Edward V. Murphy...Numerous initiatives to change Congress’s oversight structure have materialized in the meantime, including, most importantly, the creation of parallel... Risk : Report, available at http://www.preventionwmd.gov/report, p. 9. 12 Kay King, Congress and National Security, Council on Foreign Relations

Comparison of Several Methods for Determining the Internal Resistance of Lithium Ion Cells

PubMed Central

Schweiger, Hans-Georg; Obeidi, Ossama; Komesker, Oliver; Raschke, André; Schiemann, Michael; Zehner, Christian; Gehnen, Markus; Keller, Michael; Birke, Peter

2010-01-01

The internal resistance is the key parameter for determining power, energy efficiency and lost heat of a lithium ion cell. Precise knowledge of this value is vital for designing battery systems for automotive applications. Internal resistance of a cell was determined by current step methods, AC (alternating current) methods, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and thermal loss methods. The outcomes of these measurements have been compared with each other. If charge or discharge of the cell is limited, current step methods provide the same results as energy loss methods. PMID:22219678

Silicon carbide sewing thread

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sawko, Paul M. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

Composite flexible multilayer insulation systems (MLI) were evaluated for thermal performance and compared with currently used fibrous silica (baseline) insulation system. The systems described are multilayer insulations consisting of alternating layers of metal foil and scrim ceramic cloth or vacuum metallized polymeric films quilted together using ceramic thread. A silicon carbide thread for use in the quilting and the method of making it are also described. These systems provide lightweight thermal insulation for a variety of uses, particularly on the surface of aerospace vehicles subject to very high temperatures during flight.

Family Support Systems: Alternative Child Care Arrangements.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winthrop Coll., Rock Hill, SC. School of Consumer Science and Allied Professions.

Winthrop College, a resource center for information on employer-sponsored child care, conducted an Appalachian Regional Commission project designed to assess the feasibility of employer-sponsored child care, gather technical information about current models, determine child care needs of working women in South Carolina, and encourage employers to…

Live feed enrichment with probiotics: current methods and future perspectives on increasing finfish larviculture success

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Probiotics - active or inactive microorganisms incorporated to animal feeds - are considered a potential alternative to other treatments intended to enhance immune response, growth, or feed efficiency in animal rearing systems. While probiotics are extensively used in livestock practices, their use ...

Corporal Punishment and the Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauer, Gordon B.; And Others

1990-01-01

In order to understand and evaluate the continued prevalence of corporal punishment in school systems, this article reviews the following topics: (1) historical issues; (2) current demographics and correlates; (3) the effectiveness of corporal punishment in school settings; (4) myths; (5) alternatives to corporal punishment; and (6) social policy.…

Pathways for School Finance in California. Technical Appendix

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rose, Heather; Sonstelie, Jon; Weston, Margaret

2010-01-01

This is a technical appendix for the report, "Pathways for School Finance in California" (ED515651). "Pathways for School Finance in California" simulates alternatives to California's current school finance system. This appendix provides more information about the revenues used in those simulations. The first section describes…

Another School is Possible: Learning from Europe

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wrigley, Terry

2005-01-01

In this impassioned attack on the profound failure of the current English system of schooling, Terry Wrigley reminds us of inspirational European alternatives, particularly but not exclusively, from Scandinavia. They not only produce better "results" as measured by international league tables; they also produce better "results"…

Transcranial alternating current stimulation modulates auditory temporal resolution in elderly people.

PubMed

Baltus, Alina; Vosskuhl, Johannes; Boetzel, Cindy; Herrmann, Christoph Siegfried

2018-05-13

Recent research provides evidence for a functional role of brain oscillations for perception. For example, auditory temporal resolution seems to be linked to individual gamma frequency of auditory cortex. Individual gamma frequency not only correlates with performance in between-channel gap detection tasks but can be modulated via auditory transcranial alternating current stimulation. Modulation of individual gamma frequency is accompanied by an improvement in gap detection performance. Aging changes electrophysiological frequency components and sensory processing mechanisms. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the link between individual gamma frequency and gap detection performance in elderly people using auditory transcranial alternating current stimulation. In a within-subject design, twelve participants were electrically stimulated with two individualized transcranial alternating current stimulation frequencies: 3 Hz above their individual gamma frequency (experimental condition) and 4 Hz below their individual gamma frequency (control condition) while they were performing a between-channel gap detection task. As expected, individual gamma frequencies correlated significantly with gap detection performance at baseline and in the experimental condition, transcranial alternating current stimulation modulated gap detection performance. In the control condition, stimulation did not modulate gap detection performance. In addition, in elderly, the effect of transcranial alternating current stimulation on auditory temporal resolution seems to be dependent on endogenous frequencies in auditory cortex: elderlies with slower individual gamma frequencies and lower auditory temporal resolution profit from auditory transcranial alternating current stimulation and show increased gap detection performance during stimulation. Our results strongly suggest individualized transcranial alternating current stimulation protocols for successful modulation of performance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Review of Current State of the Art and Key Design Issues With Potential Solutions for Liquid Hydrogen Cryogenic Storage Tank Structures for Aircraft Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mital, Subodh K.; Gyekenyesi, John Z.; Arnold, Steven M.; Sullivan, Roy M.; Manderscheid, Jane M.; Murthy, Pappu L. N.

2006-01-01

Due to its high specific energy content, liquid hydrogen (LH2) is emerging as an alternative fuel for future aircraft. As a result, there is a need for hydrogen tank storage systems, for these aircraft applications, that are expected to provide sufficient capacity for flight durations ranging from a few minutes to several days. It is understood that the development of a large, lightweight, reusable cryogenic liquid storage tank is crucial to meet the goals of and supply power to hydrogen-fueled aircraft, especially for long flight durations. This report provides an annotated review (including the results of an extensive literature review) of the current state of the art of cryogenic tank materials, structural designs, and insulation systems along with the identification of key challenges with the intent of developing a lightweight and long-term storage system for LH2. The broad classes of insulation systems reviewed include foams (including advanced aerogels) and multilayer insulation (MLI) systems with vacuum. The MLI systems show promise for long-term applications. Structural configurations evaluated include single- and double-wall constructions, including sandwich construction. Potential wall material candidates are monolithic metals as well as polymer matrix composites and discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites. For short-duration flight applications, simple tank designs may suffice. Alternatively, for longer duration flight applications, a double-wall construction with a vacuum-based insulation system appears to be the most optimum design. The current trends in liner material development are reviewed in the case that a liner is required to minimize or eliminate the loss of hydrogen fuel through permeation.

Locational Marginal Pricing in the Campus Power System at the Power Distribution Level

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hao, Jun; Gu, Yi; Zhang, Yingchen

2016-11-14

In the development of smart grid at distribution level, the realization of real-time nodal pricing is one of the key challenges. The research work in this paper implements and studies the methodology of locational marginal pricing at distribution level based on a real-world distribution power system. The pricing mechanism utilizes optimal power flow to calculate the corresponding distributional nodal prices. Both Direct Current Optimal Power Flow and Alternate Current Optimal Power Flow are utilized to calculate and analyze the nodal prices. The University of Denver campus power grid is used as the power distribution system test bed to demonstrate themore » pricing methodology.« less

The role of health care ADR (alternative dispute resolution) in reducing legal fees.

PubMed

Joseph, D M

1995-11-01

An increasingly complex health care system undergoing rapid changes is an ideal set-up for frequent conflicts among the numerous participants. While conflict is inevitable, the manner in which it is handled can markedly affect the outcome of the dispute and the future relationship of the parties, as well as the emotional and financial cost of the dispute. This article presents an overview of the principles and processes of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and describes how these processes are currently being used to resolve health care disputes.

Materials technology assessment for a 1050 K Stirling space engine design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheuermann, Coulson M.; Dreshfield, Robert L.; Gaydosh, Darrell J.; Kiser, James D.; Mackay, Rebecca A.; Mcdaniels, David L.; Petrasek, Donald W.; Vannucci, Raymond D.; Bowles, Kenneth J.; Watson, Gordon K.

1988-01-01

An assessment of materials technology and proposed materials selection was made for the 1050 K (superalloy) Stirling Space Engine design. The objectives of this assessment were to evaluate previously proposed materials selections, evaluate the current state-of-the-art materials, propose potential alternate materials selections and identify research and development efforts needed to provide materials that can meet the stringent system requirements. This assessment generally reaffirmed the choices made by the contractor. However, in many cases alternative choices were described and suggestions for needed materials and fabrication research and development were made.

[The design of a cardiac monitoring and analysing system with low power consumption].

PubMed

Chen, Zhen-cheng; Ni, Li-li; Zhu, Yan-gao; Wang, Hong-yan; Ma, Yan

2002-07-01

The paper deals with a portable analyzing monitor system with liquid crystal display (LCD), which is low in power consumption and suitable for China's specific conditions. Apart from the development of the overall scheme of the system, the paper introduces the design of the hardware and the software. The 80196 single chip microcomputer is used as the central microprocessor to process and real-time electrocardiac signal data. The system have the following functions: five types of arrhythmia analysis, alarm, freeze, and record of automatic paperfeeding. The portable system can be operated by alternate-current (AC) or direct-current (DC). Its hardware circuit is simplified and its software structure is optimized. Multiple low power consumption and LCD unit are adopted in its modular designs.

Economic and market issues on the sustainability of egg production in the United States: analysis of alternative production systems.

PubMed

Sumner, D A; Gow, H; Hayes, D; Matthews, W; Norwood, B; Rosen-Molina, J T; Thurman, W

2011-01-01

Conventional cage housing for laying hens evolved as a cost-effective egg production system. Complying with mandated hen housing alternatives would raise marginal production costs and require sizable capital investment. California data indicate that shifts from conventional cages to barn housing would likely cause farm-level cost increases of about 40% per dozen. The US data on production costs of such alternatives as furnished cages are not readily available and European data are not applicable to the US industry structure. Economic analysis relies on key facts about production and marketing of conventional and noncage eggs. Even if mandated by government or buyers, shifts to alternative housing would likely occur with lead times of at least 5 yr. Therefore, egg producers and input suppliers would have considerable time to plan new systems and build new facilities. Relatively few US consumers now pay the high retail premiums required for nonconventional eggs from hens housed in alternative systems. However, data from consumer experiments indicate that additional consumers would also be willing to pay some premium. Nonetheless, current data do not allow easy extrapolation to understand the willingness to pay for such eggs by the vast majority of conventional egg consumers. Egg consumption in the United States tends to be relatively unresponsive to price changes, such that sustained farm price increases of 40% would likely reduce consumption by less than 10%. This combination of facts and relationships suggests that, unless low-cost imports grew rapidly, requirements for higher cost hen housing systems would raise US egg prices considerably while reducing egg consumption marginally. Eggs are a low-cost source of animal protein and low-income consumers would be hardest hit. However, because egg expenditures are a very small share of the consumer budget, real income loss for consumers would be small in percentage terms. Finally, the high egg prices imposed by alternative hen housing systems raise complex issues about linking public policy costs to policy beneficiaries.

Blueprint for a greener city: growth need not cost the earth.

PubMed

Anderson, J M

2005-01-01

The current human use of global natural resources exceeds the long-term sustainable capacity of the planet. New and more sustainable ways of building cities and providing urban water services are needed. The Australian city of Sydney is expected to grow by more than 1 million people over the next 30 years. Water use from the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system already exceeds system capacity. Current proposals to allocate a greater proportion of low flows to meet environmental flow needs will limit urban water allocations and require the development of more efficient water and sewerage systems for new and existing urban development. This paper presents a hypothetical case study of how water supply and sewerage services might be provided for an additional 1 million people over a 25-year period. It compares traditional service provision with alternative scenarios incorporating water conservation measures, rainwater harvesting and water reuse. The paper presents both economic and environmental comparisons. The economic comparisons include valuations of environmental externalities in the form of environmental levies. It shows that the extra capital costs of water conservation, alternative water sources and water reuse scenarios are offset by operating savings and environmental benefits. Ecological footprints are reduced because of lower water diversions, discharges, energy use and CO2 emissions. The paper also discusses the implication of alternative infrastructure ownership and water pricing arrangements, and the opportunities to create incentives for additional investment in water conservation and reuse projects.

Low Insertion HVDC Circuit Breaker: Magnetically Pulsed Hybrid Breaker for HVDC Power Distribution Protection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2012-01-09

GENI Project: General Atomics is developing a direct current (DC) circuit breaker that could protect the grid from faults 100 times faster than its alternating current (AC) counterparts. Circuit breakers are critical elements in any electrical system. At the grid level, their main function is to isolate parts of the grid where a fault has occurred—such as a downed power line or a transformer explosion—from the rest of the system. DC circuit breakers must interrupt the system during a fault much faster than AC circuit breakers to prevent possible damage to cables, converters and other grid-level components. General Atomics’ high-voltagemore » DC circuit breaker would react in less than 1/1,000th of a second to interrupt current during a fault, preventing potential hazards to people and equipment.« less

A compact 3 T all HTS cryogen-free MRI system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parkinson, B. J.; Bouloukakis, K.; Slade, R. A.

2017-12-01

We have designed and built a passively shielded, cryogen-free 3 T 160 mm bore bismuth strontium calcium copper oxide HTS magnet with shielded gradient coils suitable for use in small animal imaging applications. The magnet is cooled to approximately 16 K using a two-stage cryocooler and is operated at 200 A. The magnet has been passively shimmed so as to achieve ±10 parts per million (ppm) homogeneity over a 60 mm diameter imaging volume. We have demonstrated that B 0 temporal stability is fit-for-purpose despite the magnet operating in the driven mode. The system has produced good quality spin-echo and gradient echo images. This compact HTS-MRI system is emerging as a true alternative to conventional low temperature superconductor based cryogen-free MRI systems, with much more efficient cryogenics since it operates entirely from a single phase alternating current electrical supply.

Plasma Lens for Muon and Neutrino Beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahn, Stephen; Korenev, Sergey; Bishai, Mary; Diwan, Milind; Gallardo, Juan; Hershcovitch, Ady; Johnson, Brant

2008-04-01

The plasma lens is examined as an alternate to focusing horns and solenoids for use in a neutrino or muon beam facility. The plasma lens concept is based on a combined high-current lens/target configuration. The current is fed at electrodes located upstream and downstream from the target where pion capturing is needed. The current flows primarily in the plasma, which has a lower resistivity than the target. A second plasma lens section, with an additional current feed, follows the target to provide shaping of the plasma stability. The geometry of the plasma is shaped to provide optimal pion capture. Simulations of this plasma lens system have shown a 25% higher neutrino production than the horn system. A plasma lens has additional advantage: larger axial current than horns, minimal neutrino contamination during antineutrino running, and negligible pion absorption or scattering. Results from particle simulations using a plasma lens will be presented.

Alternative Architectures for Distributed Cooperative Problem-Solving in the National Airspace System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Phillip J.; Billings, Charles; McCoy, C. Elaine; Orasanu, Judith

1999-01-01

The air traffic management system in the United States is an example of a distributed problem solving system. It has elements of both cooperative and competitive problem-solving. This system includes complex organizations such as Airline Operations Centers (AOCs), the FAA Air Traffic Control Systems Command Center (ATCSCC), and traffic management units (TMUs) at enroute centers and TRACONs, all of which have a major focus on strategic decision-making. It also includes individuals concerned more with tactical decisions (such as air traffic controllers and pilots). The architecture for this system has evolved over time to rely heavily on the distribution of tasks and control authority in order to keep cognitive complexity manageable for any one individual operator, and to provide redundancy (both human and technological) to serve as a safety net to catch the slips or mistakes that any one person or entity might make. Currently, major changes are being considered for this architecture, especially with respect to the locus of control, in an effort to improve efficiency and safety. This paper uses a series of case studies to help evaluate some of these changes from the perspective of system complexity, and to point out possible alternative approaches that might be taken to improve system performance. The paper illustrates the need to maintain a clear understanding of what is required to assure a high level of performance when alternative system architectures and decompositions are developed.

Dynamics of laser-guided alternating current high voltage discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daigle, J.-F.; Théberge, F.; Lassonde, P.; Kieffer, J.-C.; Fujii, T.; Fortin, J.; Châteauneuf, M.; Dubois, J.

2013-10-01

The dynamics of laser-guided alternating current high voltage discharges are characterized using a streak camera. Laser filaments were used to trigger and guide the discharges produced by a commercial Tesla coil. The streaking images revealed that the dynamics of the guided alternating current high voltage corona are different from that of a direct current source. The measured effective corona velocity and the absence of leader streamers confirmed that it evolves in a pure leader regime.

Multidisciplinary optimization for engineering systems - Achievements and potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw

1989-01-01

The currently common sequential design process for engineering systems is likely to lead to suboptimal designs. Recently developed decomposition methods offer an alternative for coming closer to optimum by breaking the large task of system optimization into smaller, concurrently executed and, yet, coupled tasks, identified with engineering disciplines or subsystems. The hierarchic and non-hierarchic decompositions are discussed and illustrated by examples. An organization of a design process centered on the non-hierarchic decomposition is proposed.

[Issues of biomedical support of explorations missions].

PubMed

Potapov, A N; Sinyak, Yu E; Petrov, V M

2013-01-01

Sine qua non for piloted exploration missions is a system of biomedical support. The future system will be considerably different from the analogous systems applied in current orbital missions. The reason is the challenging conditions in expeditions to remote space. In a mission to Mars, specifically, these are high levels of radiation, hypomagnetic environment, alternation of micro- and hypogravity, very long mission duration and autonomy. The paper scrutinizes the major issues of medical support to future explorers of space.

Sustainability Logistics Basing - Science and Technology Objective - Demonstration; Demonstration #1 - 50 Person Camp Demo

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-17

sources: solar panels, two wind turbines , JP8/diesel genset, and alternating current (AC) shore power. The system can be towed by a High Mobility...energy. The project office shipped two REDUCE units to the demonstration, one with wind turbines and one without. For the demonstration, the team...operated and collected data from the system without wind turbines due to the greater reliability of its integrated genset. The system with wind

Multidisciplinary optimization for engineering systems: Achievements and potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, Jaroslaw

1989-01-01

The currently common sequential design process for engineering systems is likely to lead to suboptimal designs. Recently developed decomposition methods offer an alternative for coming closer to optimum by breaking the large task of system optimization into smaller, concurrently executed and, yet, coupled tasks, identified with engineering disciplines or subsystems. The hierarchic and non-hierarchic decompositions are discussed and illustrated by examples. An organization of a design process centered on the non-hierarchic decomposition is proposed.

Fuzzy logic based on-line fault detection and classification in transmission line.

PubMed

Adhikari, Shuma; Sinha, Nidul; Dorendrajit, Thingam

2016-01-01

This study presents fuzzy logic based online fault detection and classification of transmission line using Programmable Automation and Control technology based National Instrument Compact Reconfigurable i/o (CRIO) devices. The LabVIEW software combined with CRIO can perform real time data acquisition of transmission line. When fault occurs in the system current waveforms are distorted due to transients and their pattern changes according to the type of fault in the system. The three phase alternating current, zero sequence and positive sequence current data generated by LabVIEW through CRIO-9067 are processed directly for relaying. The result shows that proposed technique is capable of right tripping action and classification of type of fault at high speed therefore can be employed in practical application.

Focal Plane Detectors for the Advanced Gamma-Ray Imaging System (AGIS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, R. G.; Byrum, K.; Drake, G.; Funk, S.; Otte, N.; Smith, A.; Tajima, H.; Williams, D.

2009-05-01

The Advanced Gamma-Ray Imaging System (AGIS) is a concept for the next generation observatory in ground-based very high energy gamma-ray astronomy. It is being designed to achieve a significant improvement in sensitivity compared to current Imaging Air Cherenkov Telescope (IACT) Arrays. One of the main requirements in order that AGIS fulfills this goal will be to achieve higher angular resolution than current IACTs. Simulations show that a substantial improvement in angular resolution may be achieved if the pixel size is reduced to 0.05 deg, i.e. two to three times smaller than for current IACT cameras. Here we present results from testing of alternatives being considered for AGIS, including both silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) and multi-anode photomultipliers (MAPMTs).

Writing with ring currents: selectively hydrogenated polycyclic aromatics as finite models of graphene and graphane

PubMed Central

Fowler, Patrick W.; Gibson, Christopher M.; Bean, David E.

2014-01-01

Alternating partial hydrogenation of the interior region of a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon gives a finite model system representing systems on the pathway from graphene to the graphane modification of the graphene sheet. Calculations at the DFT and coupled Hartree–Fock levels confirm that sp2 cycles of bare carbon centres isolated by selective hydrogenation retain the essentially planar geometry and electron delocalization of the annulene that they mimic. Delocalization is diagnosed by the presence of ring currents, as detected by ipsocentric calculation and visualization of the current density induced in the π system by a perpendicular external magnetic field. These induced ‘ring’ currents have essentially the same sense, strength and orbital origin as in the free hydrocarbon. Subjected to the important experimental proviso of the need for atomic-scale control of hydrogenation, this finding predicts the possibility of writing single, multiple and concentric diatropic and/or paratropic ring currents on the graphene/graphane sheet. The implication is that pathways for free flow of ballistic current can be modelled in the same way. PMID:24611026

Robotics in a controlled, ecological life support system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miles, Gaines E.; Krom, Kimberly J.

1993-01-01

Controlled, Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) that utilize plants to provide food, water and oxygen could consume considerable amounts of labor unless crop production, recovery and processing are automated. Robotic manipulators equipped with special end-effectors and programmed to perform the sensing and materials handling tasks would minimize the amount of astronaut labor required. The Human Rated Test Facility (HRTF) planned for Johnson Space Center could discover and demonstrate techniques of crop production which can be reliably integrated with machinery to minimize labor requirements. Before the physical components (shelves, lighting fixtures, etc.) can be selected, a systems analysis must be performed to determine which alternative processes should be followed and how the materials handling tasks should be automated. Given that the current procedures used to grow crops in a CELSS may not be the best methods to automate, then what are the alternatives? How may plants be grown, harvested, processed for food, and the inedible components recycled? What commercial technologies current exist? What research efforts are underway to develop new technologies which might satisfy the need for automation in a CELSS? The answers to these questions should prove enlightening and provide some of the information necessary to perform the systems analysis. The planting, culturing, gathering, threshing and separation, food processing, and recovery of inedible portions of wheat were studied. The basic biological and materials handling processes of each task are defined and discussed. Current practices at Johnson Space Center and other NASA centers are described and compared to common production practices in the plant production industry. Technologies currently being researched which might be applicable are identified and illustrated. Finally, based on this knowledge, several scenarios are proposed for automating the tasks for wheat.

49 CFR Appendix A to Part 611 - Description of Measures Used for Project Evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... within 1/2-mile of boarding points associated with the proposed system increment. (b) Environmental... in British Thermal Units (BTU), compared to the baseline alternative; and (3) Current Environmental...) Transit-supportive corridor policies; (5) Supportive zoning regulations near transit stations; (6) Tools...

Live feed enrichment with probiotics: current methods and future perspectives on increasing finfish larviculture success

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Probiotics are considered an alternative to other treatments enhancing immune response, growth, or feed efficiency in animal rearing systems. While probiotics are extensively used in livestock practices, their use in aquaculture has not been as prevalent due to many factors, including a knowledge ga...

Assessment of lube oil management and self-cleaning oil filter feasibility in WSF vessels phases II and III : part 1 report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has proposed an alternative of the propulsion engine lubricating oil (lube oil) filtration systems on : some vessels in their fleet. Currently, WSF uses disposable cartridge filters for oil filtration on most vessels. S...

Assessment of lube oil management and self-cleaning oil filter feasibility in WSF vessels, phases II and III : part 1 report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has proposed an alternative of the propulsion engine lubricating oil (lube oil) filtration systems on : some vessels in their fleet. Currently, WSF uses disposable cartridge filters for oil filtration on most vessels. S...

Intergovernmental Relations and the Governance of Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campbell, Roald F.

Schools are currently under the many strains and stresses involving change, such as concern with the nature and purpose of schools, the growth of alternative systems, the push for new structures, the demands of new participants, financial worries, and interventions from State and national agencies. Each of these strains creates problems in…

Beyond the DSM-IV: Assumptions, Alternatives, and Alterations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopez, Shane J.; Edwards, Lisa M.; Pedrotti, Jennifer Teramoto; Prosser, Ellie C.; LaRue, Stephanie; Spalitto, Susan Vehige; Ulven, Jon C.

2006-01-01

Current diagnostic processes reflect the limitations and utility of the framework of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Clinical information in the DSM-IV's 5-axis system almost exclusively focuses on weaknesses and pathology and is summarized in a flawed…

78 FR 65632 - Centralized Capacity Markets in Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-01

... capacity product, as under current market designs, are there certain fundamental performance standards that... necessary for capacity investment? PJM offers LSEs the alternative to opt out of its capacity auction by... transmission may substitute for capacity resources. How can investment in capacity and transmission planning be...

Importance, preservation and management of riparian habitat: A symposium; Tucson, Arizona; July 9, 1977

Treesearch

R. Roy Johnson; Dale A. Jones

1977-01-01

Twelve presented and 15 contributed papers highlight what is known about this unique, diminishing vegetative type: characteristics, classification systems, associated fauna, use conflicts, management alternatives, and research needs. Speakers stressed the continuity and interrelationships of riparian ecosystems, their wildlife and vegetation, historic and current uses...

Future long-range transports - Prospects for improved fuel efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagel, A. L.; Alford, W. J., Jr.; Dugan, J. F., Jr.

1975-01-01

A status report is provided on current thinking concerning potential improvements in fuel efficiency and possible alternate fuels. Topics reviewed are: historical trends in airplane efficiency; technological opportunities including supercritical aerodynamics, vortex diffusers, composite materials, propulsion systems, active controls, and terminal-area operations; unconventional design concepts, and hydrogen-fueled airplane.

Epistemological challenges in contemporary Western healthcare systems exemplified by people's widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine.

PubMed

Salamonsen, Anita; Ahlzén, Rolf

2018-07-01

Modern Western public healthcare systems offer predominantly publicly subsidized healthcare traditionally based on biomedicine as the most important basis to cure persons who suffer from disorders of somatic or psychiatric nature. To which extent this epistemological position is suitable for this purpose is under scientific debate and challenged by some people's personal understandings of health and illness, their individual illness experiences and their decision-making. Current studies show decreasing levels of patient trust in Western public healthcare and a widespread patient-initiated use of complementary and alternative medicine which is often linked to unmet patient-defined healthcare needs. Patients'/complementary and alternative medicine users' understandings of their afflictions are often based on elements of biomedical knowledge as well as embodied and experience-based knowledge. We believe this points to the need for a phenomenologically and socially based understanding of health and illness. In this article, we analyze challenges in contemporary healthcare systems, exemplified by people's widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine and based on three ways of understanding and relating to unhealth: disease (the biomedical perspective), illness (the phenomenological perspective), and sickness (the social perspective). In public healthcare systems aiming at involving patients in treatment processes, acknowledging the coexistence of differing epistemologies may be of great importance to define and reach goals of treatment and compliance.

Adaptation responses to increasing drought frequency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loch, A. J.; Adamson, D. C.; Schwabe, K.

2016-12-01

Using state contingent analysis we discuss how and why irrigators adapt to alternative water supply signals. This analysis approach helps to illustrate how and why producers currently use state-general and state-allocable inputs to adapt and respond to known and possible future climatic alternative natures. Focusing on the timing of water allocations, we explore inherent differences in the demand for water by two key irrigation sectors: annual and perennial producers which in Australia have allowed a significant degree of risk-minimisation during droughts. In the absence of land constraints, producers also had a capacity to respond to positive state outcomes and achieve super-normal profits. In the future, however, the probability of positive state outcomes is uncertain; production systems may need to adapt to minimise losses and/or achieve positive returns under altered water supply conditions that may arise as a consequence of more frequent drought states. As such, producers must assess whether altering current input/output choice sets in response to possible future climate states will enhance their long-run competitive advantage for both expected new normal and extreme water supply outcomes. Further, policy supporting agricultural sector climate change resilience must avoid poorly-designed strategies that increase producer vulnerability in the face of drought. Our analysis explores the reliability of alternative water property right bundles and how reduced allocations across time influence alternative responses by producers. We then extend our analysis to explore how management strategies could adapt to two possible future drier state types: i) where an average reduction in water supply is experienced; and ii) where the frequency of droughts increase. The combination of these findings are subsequently used to discuss the role water reform policy has to deal with current and future climate scenarios. We argue current policy strategies could drive producers to more homogeneous production systems over time, which ultimately entail risky adaptation options under future water supply availability or increased drought frequency scenarios. Lastly, our analysis has shown the flexibility of applying SCA toward examining uncertainty surrounding future states of nature under climate change.

FLOW GATING

DOEpatents

Poppelbaum, W.J.

1962-12-01

BS>This invention is a fast gating system for eiectronic flipflop circuits. Diodes connect the output of one circuit to the input of another, and the voltage supply for the receiving flip-flop has two alternate levels. When the supply is at its upper level, no current can flow through the diodes, but when the supply is at its lower level, current can flow to set the receiving flip- flop to the same state as that of the circuit to which it is connected. (AEC)

From Contextual Fear to a Dynamic View of Memory Systems

PubMed Central

Fanselow, Michael S

2009-01-01

The brain does not learn and remember in a unitary fashion. Rather, different circuits specialize in certain classes of problems and encode different types of information. Damage to one of these systems typically results in amnesia only for the form of memory that is the affected region's specialty. How does the brain allocate a specific category of memory to a particular circuit? This question has received little attention. The currently dominant view, Multiple Memory Systems Theory, assumes that such abilities are hard-wired. Using fear conditioning as a paradigmatic case, I propose an alternative model in which mnemonic processing is allocated to specific circuits through a dynamic process. Potential circuits compete to form memories with the most efficient circuits emerging as winners. However, alternate circuits compensate when these “primary” circuits are compromised. PMID:19939724

The impact of alternative pricing methods for drugs in California Workers’ Compensation System: Fee-schedule pricing

PubMed Central

Wilson, Leslie; Turkistani, Fatema A.; Huang, Wei; Tran, Dang M.; Lin, Tracy Kuo

2018-01-01

Introduction California’s Workers’ Compensation System (CAWCS) Department of Industrial Relations questioned the adequacy of the current Medi-Cal fee-schedule pricing and requested analysis of alternatives that maximize price availability and maintain budget neutrality. Objectives To compare CAWCS pharmacy-dispensed (PD) drug prices under alternative fee schedules, and identify combinations of alternative benchmarks that have prices available for the largest percentage of PD drugs and that best reach budget neutrality. Methods Claims transaction-level data (2011–2013) from CAWCS were used to estimate total annual PD pharmaceutical payments. Medi-Cal pricing data was from the Workman’s Compensation Insurance System (WCIS). Average Wholesale Prices (AWP), Wholesale Acquisition Costs (WAC), Direct Prices (DP), Federal Upper Limit (FUL) prices, and National Average Drug Acquisition Costs (NADAC) were from Medi-Span. We matched National Drug Codes (NDCs), pricing dates, and drug quantity for comparisons. We report pharmacy-dispensed (PD) claims frequency, reimbursement matching rate, and paid costs by CAWCS as the reference price against all alternative price benchmarks. Results Of 12,529,977 CAWCS claims for pharmaceutical products 11.6% (1,462,814) were for PD drugs. Prescription drug cost for CAWCS was over $152M; $63.9M, $47.9M, and $40.6M in 2011–2013. Ninety seven percent of these CAWCS PD claims had a Medi-Cal price. Alternative mechanisms provided a price for fewer claims; NADAC 94.23%, AWP 90.94%, FUL 73.11%, WAC 66.98%, and DP 14.33%. Among CAWCS drugs with no Medi-Cal price in PD claims, AWP, WAC, NADAC, DP, and FUL provided prices for 96.7%, 63.14%, 24.82%, 20.83%, and 15.08% of claims. Overall CAWCS paid 100.52% of Medi-Cal, 60% of AWP, 97% of WAC, 309.53% of FUL, 103.83% of DP, and 136.27% of NADAC. Conclusions CAWCS current Medi-Cal fee-schedule price list for PD drugs is more complete than all alternative fee-schedules. However, all reimbursement approaches would require combinations of pricing benchmarks. We suggest keeping primary reimbursement at 100% of Medi-Cal and for drugs without a primary Medi-Cal price calculating the maximum fee as 60% of AWP and then 97% of WAC. Alternatively, we suggest using NADAC as a primary fee-schedule followed by either 60% AWP and 97% WAC or AWP-40% for drugs with no NADAC price. Fee-schedules may not offer the best price and a formulary approach may provide more flexibility. PMID:29799850

The impact of alternative pricing methods for drugs in California Workers' Compensation System: Fee-schedule pricing.

PubMed

Wilson, Leslie; Turkistani, Fatema A; Huang, Wei; Tran, Dang M; Lin, Tracy Kuo

2018-01-01

California's Workers' Compensation System (CAWCS) Department of Industrial Relations questioned the adequacy of the current Medi-Cal fee-schedule pricing and requested analysis of alternatives that maximize price availability and maintain budget neutrality. To compare CAWCS pharmacy-dispensed (PD) drug prices under alternative fee schedules, and identify combinations of alternative benchmarks that have prices available for the largest percentage of PD drugs and that best reach budget neutrality. Claims transaction-level data (2011-2013) from CAWCS were used to estimate total annual PD pharmaceutical payments. Medi-Cal pricing data was from the Workman's Compensation Insurance System (WCIS). Average Wholesale Prices (AWP), Wholesale Acquisition Costs (WAC), Direct Prices (DP), Federal Upper Limit (FUL) prices, and National Average Drug Acquisition Costs (NADAC) were from Medi-Span. We matched National Drug Codes (NDCs), pricing dates, and drug quantity for comparisons. We report pharmacy-dispensed (PD) claims frequency, reimbursement matching rate, and paid costs by CAWCS as the reference price against all alternative price benchmarks. Of 12,529,977 CAWCS claims for pharmaceutical products 11.6% (1,462,814) were for PD drugs. Prescription drug cost for CAWCS was over $152M; $63.9M, $47.9M, and $40.6M in 2011-2013. Ninety seven percent of these CAWCS PD claims had a Medi-Cal price. Alternative mechanisms provided a price for fewer claims; NADAC 94.23%, AWP 90.94%, FUL 73.11%, WAC 66.98%, and DP 14.33%. Among CAWCS drugs with no Medi-Cal price in PD claims, AWP, WAC, NADAC, DP, and FUL provided prices for 96.7%, 63.14%, 24.82%, 20.83%, and 15.08% of claims. Overall CAWCS paid 100.52% of Medi-Cal, 60% of AWP, 97% of WAC, 309.53% of FUL, 103.83% of DP, and 136.27% of NADAC. CAWCS current Medi-Cal fee-schedule price list for PD drugs is more complete than all alternative fee-schedules. However, all reimbursement approaches would require combinations of pricing benchmarks. We suggest keeping primary reimbursement at 100% of Medi-Cal and for drugs without a primary Medi-Cal price calculating the maximum fee as 60% of AWP and then 97% of WAC. Alternatively, we suggest using NADAC as a primary fee-schedule followed by either 60% AWP and 97% WAC or AWP-40% for drugs with no NADAC price. Fee-schedules may not offer the best price and a formulary approach may provide more flexibility.

The Scenario of the Potential Analysis Alternative Energy in Order to Strengthening District's Energy Resilience (The Case Study in South Sumatera Province)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferry Muhrom, Muhammad; Ronny Rahman Nitibaskara, Tb; Herdiansyah, Herdis; Sari, Ravita

2017-10-01

The current development of fossil energy, which is the driving force of the economy in Indonesia, is a non-renewable energy and is in need to know when it will be exhausted so it may be replaced with renewable energy. Many powerplant systems in Indonesia are still using conventional system that utilizes fossil energy as the primary energy in the process of electricity generation. The occurrence of electrical energy crisis is marked by several electricity blackout phenomenon in some areas in South Sumatera province rotately, which is the proof that the installed power capacity has exceeded the capacity of generation power. Interconnection among several islands, namely Java Island, Sumatera Island, and Bali Island which has been interconnected with closed loop system through transmission network has not been able to overcome the electrical energy crisis. This paper aims to create alternative energy potential scenarios in the province of South Sumatera in sequence/ranking by using quantitative methods with sequential explanatory model formulated in the determination of alternative energy strategies then analyzed by using Analitycal Hierarchy Process(AHP) method. The simulation results from this research indicate that geothermal energy potentials get the highest value so that it becomes the priority of alternative energy strategy in South Sumatera Province.

High Frequency Alternator, Power Frequency Conversion (HFA-PFC) Technology for Lightweight Tactical Power Generation

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-09-22

Modules 345-800 Amperes/400-3000 Votts - Current and Thermal Ratings of Module * Circuit Currents Element Data Model* Current Thermal Units...IGBTs modules (Powerex) 56 Main components for rectifiers, Diode Bridge modules (Powerex) 65 Heat Sinks (Aavid Engineering) 85 Westinghouse...exciter circuit , are not reliable enough for military applications, and they were replaced by brushless alternators. The brushless AC alternator

Muscle oxygenation of vastus lateralis and medialis muscles during alternating and pulsed current electrical stimulation.

PubMed

Aldayel, Abdulaziz; Muthalib, Makii; Jubeau, Marc; McGuigan, Michael; Nosaka, Kazunori

2011-05-01

This study compared between alternating and pulsed current electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) for muscle oxygenation and blood volume during isometric contractions. Nine healthy men (23-48 years) received alternating current EMS (2500 Hz) modulated at 75 Hz on the knee extensors of one leg, and pulsed current EMS (75 Hz) for the other leg separated by 2 weeks in a randomised, counter-balanced order. Pulse duration (400 μs), on-off ratio (5-15 s) and other stimulation parameters were matched between conditions and 30 isometric contractions were induced at the knee joint angle of 100° (0° full extension). Changes in tissue oxygenation index (∆TOI) and total hemoglobin volume (∆tHb) of vastus lateralis and medialis muscles over 30 contractions were assessed by a near-infrared spectroscopy, and were compared between conditions by a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Peak torque produced during EMS increased over 30 contractions in response to the increase in the stimulation intensity for pulsed current, but not for the alternating current EMS. The torque during each isometric contraction was less stable in alternating than pulsed current EMS. The changes in ∆TOI amplitude during relaxation phases and ∆tHb amplitude were not significantly different between conditions. However, the decreases in ∆TOI amplitude during contraction phases from baseline were significantly (P < 0.05) greater for the pulsed current than alternating current from the 18th contraction (-15.6 ± 2.3 vs. -8.9 ± 1.8%) to 30th contraction (-10.7 ± 1.8 vs. -4.8 ± 1.5%). These results suggest that the muscles were less activated in the alternating current EMS when compared with the pulsed current EMS.

Operational Results From a High Power Alternator Test Bed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birchenough, Arthur; Hervol, David

2007-01-01

The Alternator Test Unit (ATU) in the Lunar Power System Facility (LPSF) located at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio was used to simulate the operating conditions and evaluate the performance of the ATU and its interaction with various LPSF components in accordance with the current Fission Surface Power System (FSPS) requirements. The testing was carried out at the breadboard development level. These results successfully demonstrated excellent ATU power bus characteristics and rectified user load power quality during steady state and transient conditions. Information gained from this work could be used to assist the design and primary power quality considerations for a possible future FSPS. This paper describes the LPSF components and some preliminary test results.

30 CFR 75.900-3 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... current circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment and their auxiliary devices shall be... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900-3 Testing, examination, and...

30 CFR 75.900-3 - Testing, examination, and maintenance of circuit breakers; procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... current circuits serving three-phase alternating current equipment and their auxiliary devices shall be... Underground Low- and Medium-Voltage Alternating Current Circuits § 75.900-3 Testing, examination, and...

Knowledge Acquisition for Expert Systems in Construction

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

following scientific personnel have been closely involved in the execution of this research : Dr R J Allwood Mr A E Bryman Mr C N Cooper Dr J Cullen Mr...alternative methods and should use them flexibly as the position unfolds. This approach has been advocated by other researchers (eg Cordingley - see Diaper...currently engaged in research into methods of knowledge acquisition for expert systems. Although their original focus was on construction industry

Evolutionary Concepts for Decentralized Air Traffic Flow Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Milton; Kolitz, Stephan; Milner, Joseph; Odoni, Amedeo

1997-01-01

Alternative concepts for modifying the policies and procedures under which the air traffic flow management system operates are described, and an approach to the evaluation of those concepts is discussed. Here, air traffic flow management includes all activities related to the management of the flow of aircraft and related system resources from 'block to block.' The alternative concepts represent stages in the evolution from the current system, in which air traffic management decision making is largely centralized within the FAA, to a more decentralized approach wherein the airlines and other airspace users collaborate in air traffic management decision making with the FAA. The emphasis in the discussion is on a viable medium-term partially decentralized scenario representing a phase of this evolution that is consistent with the decision-making approaches embodied in proposed Free Flight concepts for air traffic management. System-level metrics for analyzing and evaluating the various alternatives are defined, and a simulation testbed developed to generate values for those metrics is described. The fundamental issue of modeling airline behavior in decentralized environments is also raised, and an example of such a model, which deals with the preservation of flight bank integrity in hub airports, is presented.

Development of 10B-Based 3He Replacement Neutron Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Michael J.; Gozani, Tsahi; Hilliard, Donald B.

2011-12-01

Radiation portal monitors (RPM) are currently deployed at United States border crossings to passively inspect vehicles and persons for any emission of neutrons and/or gamma rays, which may indicate the presence of unshielded nuclear materials. The RPM module contains an organic scintillator with 3He proportional counters to detect gamma rays and thermalized neutrons, respectively. The supply of 3He is rapidly dwindling, requiring alternative detectors to provide the same function and performance. Our alternative approach is one consisting of a thinly-coated 10B flat-panel ionization chamber neutron detector that can be deployed as a direct drop-in replacement for current RPM 3He detectors. The uniqueness of our approach in providing a large-area detector is in the simplicity of construction, scalability of the unit cell detector, ease of adaptability to a variety of applications and low cost. Currently, Rapiscan Laboratories and Helicon Thin Film Systems have designed and developed an operational 100 cm2 multi-layer prototype 10BB-based ionization chamber.

Evaluation of SRB phenolic TPS material made by an alternate vendor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karu, Z. S.

1982-01-01

Tests conducted to evaluate the adequacy of solid rocket booster (SRB) phenolic thermal protection system (TPS) material supplied by an alternate vendor chosen by United Space Boosters, Inc. (USBI), to replace the current phenolic TPS sections used thus far on the first four Shuttle flights. The phenolic TPS is applied mainly to the attach and kick rings of the solid rocket booster (SRB). Full-scale sectional models of both the attach and kick ring structure were made up with 0.0265 in. thick stainless steel thin skin covers with thermocouples on them to determine the heating rates. Such models were made up for both the forward and rear faces of the kick ring which has a different configuration on each side. The thin skins were replaced with the alternate phenolic TPS sections cut from flight hardware configuration phenolic parts as supplied by the new vendor. Two tests were performed for each configuration of the attach and kick rings and the samples were exposed to the flow for a duration that gave a heat load equivalent to that obtained in the series of runs made for the current line of phenolic TPS. The samples performed very well with no loss of any phenolic layers. The post-test samples looked better than those used to verify the current phenolic TPS.

Brayton Power Conversion Unit Tested: Provides a Path to Future High-Power Electric Propulsion Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Lee S.

2003-01-01

Closed-Brayton-cycle conversion technology has been identified as an excellent candidate for nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) power conversion systems. Advantages include high efficiency, long life, and high power density for power levels from about 10 kWe to 1 MWe, and beyond. An additional benefit for Brayton is the potential for the alternator to deliver very high voltage as required by the electric thrusters, minimizing the mass and power losses associated with the power management and distribution (PMAD). To accelerate Brayton technology development for NEP, the NASA Glenn Research Center is developing a low-power NEP power systems testbed that utilizes an existing 2- kWe Brayton power conversion unit (PCU) from previous solar dynamic technology efforts. The PCU includes a turboalternator, a recuperator, and a gas cooler connected by gas ducts. The rotating assembly is supported by gas foil bearings and consists of a turbine, a compressor, a thrust rotor, and an alternator on a single shaft. The alternator produces alternating-current power that is rectified to 120-V direct-current power by the PMAD unit. The NEP power systems testbed will be utilized to conduct future investigations of operational control methods, high-voltage PMAD, electric thruster interactions, and advanced heat rejection techniques. The PCU was tested in Glenn s Vacuum Facility 6. The Brayton PCU was modified from its original solar dynamic configuration by the removal of the heat receiver and retrofitting of the electrical resistance gas heater to simulate the thermal input of a steady-state nuclear source. Then, the Brayton PCU was installed in the 3-m test port of Vacuum Facility 6, as shown. A series of tests were performed between June and August of 2002 that resulted in a total PCU operational time of about 24 hr. An initial test sequence on June 17 determined that the reconfigured unit was fully operational. Ensuing tests provided the operational data needed to characterize PCU performance over its full operating range. The primary test variables used in operating the Brayton PCU were heater input power and rotor speed. Testing demonstrated a maximum steady-state alternating-current power output of 1835 W at a gas heater power of 9000 W and a rotor speed of 52000 rpm. The corresponding measured turbine inlet gas temperature was 1076 K, and the compressor inlet gas temperature was 282 K. When insulation losses from the gas heater were neglected, the Brayton cycle efficiency for the maximum power point was calculated to be 24 percent. The net direct-current power output was 1750 W, indicating a PMAD efficiency of about 95 percent.

Comparative Study of DC and AC Microgrids in Commercial Buildings Across Different Climates and Operating Profiles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fregosi, Daniel; Ravula, Sharmila; Brhlik, Dusan

2015-06-07

Bosch has developed and demonstrated a novel direct current (DC) microgrid system that maximizes the efficiency of locally generated photovoltaic energy while offering high reliability, safety, redundancy, and reduced cost compared to equivalent alternating current (AC) systems. Several demonstration projects validating the system feasibility and expected efficiency gains have been completed and additional ones are in progress. This paper gives an overview of the Bosch DC microgrid system and presents key results from a large simulation study done to estimate the energy savings of the Bosch DC microgrid over conventional AC systems. The study examined the system performance in locationsmore » across the United States for several commercial building types and operating profiles. It found that the Bosch DC microgrid uses generated PV energy 6%-8% more efficiently than traditional AC systems.« less

Palm Power Free-Piston Stirling Engine Control Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiter, Douglas E.; Holliday, Ezekiel

2007-01-01

A prototype 35We, JP-8 fueled, soldier-wearable power system for the DARPA Palm Power program has been developed and tested by Sunpower. A hermetically-sealed 42We Sunpower Free-Piston Stirling Engine (FPSE) with integral linear alternator is the prime mover for this system. To maximize system efficiency over a broad range of output power, a non-dissipative, highly efficient electronic control system which modulates engine output power by varying piston stroke and converts the AC output voltage of the FPSE into 28Vdc for the Palm Power end user, has been designed and demonstrated as an integral component of the Palm Power system. This paper reviews the current status and progress made in developing the control electronics for the Palm Power system, in addition to describing the operation and demonstrated performance of the engine controller in the context of the current JP-8 fueled Palm Power system.

Research on the Use of Robotics in Hazardous Environments at Sandia National Laboratories

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kwok, Kwan S.

Many hazardous material handling needs exist in remote unstructured environments. Currently these operations are accomplished using personnel in direct contact with the hazards. A safe and cost effective alternative to this approach is the use of intelligent robotic systems for safe handling, packaging, transport, and even excavation of hazardous materials. The Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center of Sandia National Laboratories has developed and deployed robotic technologies for use in hazardous environments, three of which have been deployed in DOE production facilities for handling of special nuclear materials. Other systems are currently under development for packaging special nuclear materials. This papermore » presents an overview of the research activities, including five delivered systems, at %ndia National Laboratories on the use of robotics in hazardous environments.« less

Integrating autonomous distributed control into a human-centric C4ISR environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straub, Jeremy

2017-05-01

This paper considers incorporating autonomy into human-centric Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) environments. Specifically, it focuses on identifying ways that current autonomy technologies can augment human control and the challenges presented by additive autonomy. Three approaches to this challenge are considered, stemming from prior work in two converging areas. In the first, the problem is approached as augmenting what humans currently do with automation. In the alternate approach, the problem is approached as treating humans as actors within a cyber-physical system-of-systems (stemming from robotic distributed computing). A third approach, combines elements of both of the aforementioned.

Power Delivery from an Actual Thermoelectric Generation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaibe, Hiromasa; Kajihara, Takeshi; Nagano, Kouji; Makino, Kazuya; Hachiuma, Hirokuni; Natsuume, Daisuke

2014-06-01

Similar to photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cells, thermoelectric generators (TEGs) supply direct-current (DC) power, essentially requiring DC/alternating current (AC) conversion for delivery as electricity into the grid network. Use of PVs is already well established through power conditioning systems (PCSs) that enable DC/AC conversion with maximum-power-point tracking, which enables commercial use by customers. From the economic, legal, and regulatory perspectives, a commercial PCS for PVs should also be available for TEGs, preferably as is or with just simple adjustment. Herein, we report use of a PV PCS with an actual TEG. The results are analyzed, and proper application for TEGs is proposed.

Where Lies the Fault in Diagnosing Dhat Syndrome among Females? Understanding through a Case Study.

PubMed

Kar, Sujita Kumar; Singh, Amit

2017-01-01

Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome of South-East Asia, common in young men. However, similar entity has also been described in female patients who attribute their symptoms to nonpathological or physiological vaginal discharge. The current diagnostic system for psychiatric illnesses does not encompass Dhat syndrome in females, and so these group of patients receive alternative diagnoses such as somatoform disorder or depression. As a result of which the focus of unique Dhat syndrome-centered management gets weakened, affecting the clinical outcome. This case study focuses on the diagnostic dilemmas related to Dhat syndrome in females and pitfalls in the current diagnostic system.

Feasibility study of tank leakage mitigation using subsurface barriers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Treat, R.L.; Peters, B.B.; Cameron, R.J.

1994-09-21

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has established the Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) to satisfy manage and dispose of the waste currently stored in the underground storage tanks. The retrieval element of TWRS includes a work scope to develop subsurface impermeable barriers beneath SSTs. The barriers could serve as a means to contain leakage that may result from waste retrieval operations and could also support site closure activities by facilitating cleanup. Three types of subsurface barrier systems have emerged for further consideration: (1) chemical grout, (2) freeze walls, and (3) desiccant, represented in this feasibility study as a circulatingmore » air barrier. This report contains analyses of the costs and relative risks associated with combinations retrieval technologies and barrier technologies that from 14 alternatives. Eight of the alternatives include the use of subsurface barriers; the remaining six nonbarrier alternative are included in order to compare the costs, relative risks and other values of retrieval with subsurface barriers. Each alternative includes various combinations of technologies that can impact the risks associated with future contamination of the groundwater beneath the Hanford Site to varying degrees. Other potential risks associated with these alternatives, such as those related to accidents and airborne contamination resulting from retrieval and barrier emplacement operations, are not quantitatively evaluated in this report.« less

Alternative medicine complements standard. Various forms focus on holistic concepts.

PubMed

Seaward, B L

1994-09-01

Western or conventional medical practices are founded on the principle of Newtonian physics; the body is viewed as a large clock whose broken parts are fixed or replaced. The placebo effect, hypnosis, psychoneuroimmunology, and spontaneous remission have recently inspired researchers to look beyond this mechanistic model toward a new paradigm of greater understanding regarding the entity we call "human beings." The premise of alternative medicine, based on the paradigm of whole systems, suggests that human beings are more than physical bodies with fixable and replaceable parts; they are a complicated network of pulsating energy frequencies often described in terms of a human aura. Western researchers now call this "the human energy field." Homeopathy, acupuncture, polarity healing, and the healing power of touch are only a few of the more common branches of holistic medicine that unite body, mind, and spirit for optimal health. The U.S. Congress has appropriated more than $2 million to the National Institutes of Health to research the validity of alternative or complementary medicines. In light of proposed changes in the healthcare system, alternative medicine may eventually be incorporated into the American structure of healthcare delivery. Proponents of holistic medicine agree that various forms of alternative medicine should be used to complement, rather than compete, with, the current accepted standard of healthcare.

Intelligent Load Manager (LOADMAN): Application of Expert System Technology to Load Management Problems in Power Generation and Distribution Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-10

addrsesed to it, the wall-receptacle module energizes a relay. Modules can be built to use a triac instead and have the capacity to increase or decrease... modulated by other constraints for a safe, functional ana effective power distribution system. 2.2.3 BackuR Equipment Alternate power sources are...environments have limited sensor capability and no remote control capability. However, future enhancements to current equipment, such as frequency- modulated

Current Perspectives on Biotechnological Cannabinoid Production in Plants.

PubMed

Schachtsiek, Julia; Warzecha, Heribert; Kayser, Oliver; Stehle, Felix

2018-03-01

The plant Cannabis sativa contains a number of psychoactive chemical compounds, the cannabinoids, which possess a significant pharmaceutical potential. Recently, the usage of Cannabis for medicinal purposes was legalized in many countries. Thus, the study on the influence of different cannabinoids in combination with other Cannabis -derived compounds with respect to the treatment of various diseases becomes increasingly important. Besides the production of distinct cannabinoids in a heterologous host, like tobacco or yeast, transgenic Cannabis plants would be a suitable alternative to modify and therefore optimize the cannabinoid profile. This perspective highlights the current efforts on Cannabis cell culture systems, in vitro propagation, and transformation of the plant and reveals the resulting opportunities concerning biotechnological production of cannabinoids. Furthermore, alternative platform organisms for the heterologous production of cannabinoids, like tobacco, are considered and evaluated. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

MEMS Micro-Translation Device with Improved Linear Travel Capability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abushagur, Mustafa A. G. (Inventor); Ferguson, Cynthia K. (Inventor); Nordin, Gregory P. (Inventor); English, Jennifer M. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A microscopic translation device for a microelectromechanical system includes a pair of linear stator assemblies disposed in spaced relation to define an elongate channel. Each assembly is formed by a plurality of stators arranged in a row along the channel. A shuttle member is disposed between the stator assemblies for translating movement along the channel. The shuttle member includes a plurality of rotors extending outwardly from opposite sides. The shuttle is grounded through the stator assemblies and includes a mounting area for an object to be translated. Electrical lines are individually connected to alternate stators of a plurality of groups of the stators. A current supply sequentially supplies current through the electrical lines to the alternate stators so as to effect charging of the stators in a predetermined sequence. This produces a tangential capacitive force that causes translation of the shuttle.

Safety Assurance in NextGen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

HarrisonFleming, Cody; Spencer, Melissa; Leveson, Nancy; Wilkinson, Chris

2012-01-01

The generation of minimum operational, safety, performance, and interoperability requirements is an important aspect of safely integrating new NextGen components into the Communication Navigation Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system. These requirements are used as part of the implementation and approval processes. In addition, they provide guidance to determine the levels of design assurance and performance that are needed for each element of the new NextGen procedures, including aircraft, operator, and Air Navigation and Service Provider. Using the enhanced Airborne Traffic Situational Awareness for InTrail Procedure (ATSA-ITP) as an example, this report describes some limitations of the current process used for generating safety requirements and levels of required design assurance. An alternative process is described, as well as the argument for why the alternative can generate more comprehensive requirements and greater safety assurance than the current approach.

Alternator control for battery charging

DOEpatents

Brunstetter, Craig A.; Jaye, John R.; Tallarek, Glen E.; Adams, Joseph B.

2015-07-14

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical system for an automotive vehicle has an electrical generating machine and a battery. A set point voltage, which sets an output voltage of the electrical generating machine, is set by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU selects one of a plurality of control modes for controlling the alternator based on an operating state of the vehicle as determined from vehicle operating parameters. The ECU selects a range for the set point voltage based on the selected control mode and then sets the set point voltage within the range based on feedback parameters for that control mode. In an aspect, the control modes include a trickle charge mode and battery charge current is the feedback parameter and the ECU controls the set point voltage within the range to maintain a predetermined battery charge current.

Investigations of the environmental acceptability of fluorocarbon alternatives to chlorofluorocarbons.

PubMed Central

McFarland, M

1992-01-01

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are currently used in systems for preservation of perishable foods and medical supplies, increasing worker productivity and consumer comfort, conserving energy and increasing product reliability. As use of CFCs is phased out due to concerns of ozone depletion, a variety of new chemicals and technologies will be needed to serve these needs. In choosing alternatives, industry must balance concerns over safety and environmental acceptability and still meet the preformance characteristics of the current technology, the only viable alternatives meeting the safety, performance, and environmental requirements for the remaining 40% of demand are fluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HCFCs and HFCs possess many of the desirable properties of the CFCs, but because of the, hydrogen, they results in shorter atmospheric lifetimes compared to CFCs and reduces their potential to contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion or global warming; HFCs do not contain chlorine and have no potential to destroy ozone. This paper provides an overview of challenges faced by industry, regulators, and society in general in continuing to meet societal needs and consumer demands while reducing risk to the enviroment without compromising consumer or worker safety. PMID:11607257

Alternatives Analysis Amchitka Island Mud Pit Cap Repair, Amchitka, Alaska January 2016

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Darr, Paul S.

2016-01-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) manages the Nevada Offsites program, which includes a series of reclaimed drilling mud impoundments on Amchitka Island, Alaska (Figure 1). Navarro Research and Engineering, Inc. is the Legacy Management Support contractor (the Contractor) for LM. The Contractor has procured Tetra Tech, Inc. to provide engineering support to the Amchitka mud pit reclamation project. The mud pit caps were damaged during a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that occurred in 2014. The goals of the current project are to investigate conditions at the mud pit impoundments, identify feasible alternatives for repair of themore » cover systems and the contents, and estimate relative costs of repair alternatives. This report presents descriptions of the sites and past investigations, existing conditions, summaries of various repair/mitigation alternatives, and direct, unburdened, order-of-magnitude (-15% to +50%) associated costs.« less

Display Sharing: An Alternative Paradigm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Michael A.

2010-01-01

The current Johnson Space Center (JSC) Mission Control Center (MCC) Video Transport System (VTS) provides flight controllers and management the ability to meld raw video from various sources with telemetry to improve situational awareness. However, maintaining a separate infrastructure for video delivery and integration of video content with data adds significant complexity and cost to the system. When considering alternative architectures for a VTS, the current system's ability to share specific computer displays in their entirety to other locations, such as large projector systems, flight control rooms, and back supporting rooms throughout the facilities and centers must be incorporated into any new architecture. Internet Protocol (IP)-based systems also support video delivery and integration. IP-based systems generally have an advantage in terms of cost and maintainability. Although IP-based systems are versatile, the task of sharing a computer display from one workstation to another can be time consuming for an end-user and inconvenient to administer at a system level. The objective of this paper is to present a prototype display sharing enterprise solution. Display sharing is a system which delivers image sharing across the LAN while simultaneously managing bandwidth, supporting encryption, enabling recovery and resynchronization following a loss of signal, and, minimizing latency. Additional critical elements will include image scaling support, multi -sharing, ease of initial integration and configuration, integration with desktop window managers, collaboration tools, host and recipient controls. This goal of this paper is to summarize the various elements of an IP-based display sharing system that can be used in today's control center environment.

Rapid cell-free forward engineering of novel genetic ring oscillators

PubMed Central

Niederholtmeyer, Henrike; Sun, Zachary Z; Hori, Yutaka; Yeung, Enoch; Verpoorte, Amanda; Murray, Richard M; Maerkl, Sebastian J

2015-01-01

While complex dynamic biological networks control gene expression in all living organisms, the forward engineering of comparable synthetic networks remains challenging. The current paradigm of characterizing synthetic networks in cells results in lengthy design-build-test cycles, minimal data collection, and poor quantitative characterization. Cell-free systems are appealing alternative environments, but it remains questionable whether biological networks behave similarly in cell-free systems and in cells. We characterized in a cell-free system the ‘repressilator’, a three-node synthetic oscillator. We then engineered novel three, four, and five-gene ring architectures, from characterization of circuit components to rapid analysis of complete networks. When implemented in cells, our novel 3-node networks produced population-wide oscillations and 95% of 5-node oscillator cells oscillated for up to 72 hr. Oscillation periods in cells matched the cell-free system results for all networks tested. An alternate forward engineering paradigm using cell-free systems can thus accurately capture cellular behavior. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.09771.001 PMID:26430766

Video feedforward for rapid learning of a picture-based communication system.

PubMed

Smith, Jemma; Hand, Linda; Dowrick, Peter W

2014-04-01

This study examined the efficacy of video self modeling (VSM) using feedforward, to teach various goals of a picture exchange communication system (PECS). The participants were two boys with autism and one man with Down syndrome. All three participants were non-verbal with no current functional system of communication; the two children had long histories of PECS failure. A series of replications, with different length baselines, was used to examine whether video self modeling could replace the PECS method of teaching to achieve the same goals. All three participants showed rapid learning of their target behavior when introduced to their self modeling videos, and effects generalized without the need for further intervention. We conclude that VSM, using feedforward, can provide a fast, simple way of teaching the use of a picture-based communication system without the need for prompts or intensive operant conditioning. VSM may provide an accessible, easy-to-use alternative to common methods of teaching augmentative and alternative communication systems.

Hydro power plants, an overview of the current types and technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkáč, Štefan

2018-03-01

Despite the long history of hydropower technology and rising number of system harvesting energy from alternative sources, the constant research within hydro power sector becoming increasingly important as the power from water was and still is the leading alternative source of green energy generation, capitalized not necessarily within micro-urban structures only. The advantages of hydro systems involve their relatively low acquisition cost against durability, the possibility of gaining energy independence, relatively high flexibility and adaptability for spatial conditions and energy demands of the end users. Nowadays micro hydro systems could capitalize head range starting at 100cm and the efficiency of hydro systems in general ranges between 65-75% in micro and small applications climbing up to 96% in macro designs. It is mostly due to flexibility in applications, adaptability in combinations with other renewable energy systems and the ability to generate clean, stable, thus reliable energy that makes technical development the most vibrant and noticeable in the micro sphere.

Health courts: an alternative to traditional tort law.

PubMed

Miller, Lisa A

2011-01-01

The current adversarial tort-based system of adjudicating malpractice claims is flawed. Alternate methods of compensation for birth injuries related to oxygen deprivation or mechanical injury are being utilized in Virginia and Florida. Although utilization of both of these schemes is limited, and they are not without problems in application, both have been successful in reducing the number of malpractice claims in the tort system and in reducing malpractice premiums. While the Florida and Virginia programs are primarily focused on compensation, other models outside the US focus include compensation as well as enhanced dispute resolution and potential for clinical practice change through peer review. Experts in the fields of law and public policy in the United States have evaluated a variety of approaches and have proposed models for administrative health courts that would provide both compensation and dispute resolution for medical and nursing malpractice claims. These alternative models are based on transparency and disclosure, with just compensation for injuries, and opportunities for improvements in patient safety.

Alternatives to animal testing: research, trends, validation, regulatory acceptance.

PubMed

Huggins, Jane

2003-01-01

Current trends and issues in the development of alternatives to the use of animals in biomedical experimentation are discussed in this position paper. Eight topics are considered and include refinement of acute toxicity assays; eye corrosion/irritation alternatives; skin corrosion/irritation alternatives; contact sensitization alternatives; developmental/reproductive testing alternatives; genetic engineering (transgenic) assays; toxicogenomics; and validation of alternative methods. The discussion of refinement of acute toxicity assays is focused primarily on developments with regard to reduction of the number of animals used in the LD(50) assay. However, the substitution of humane endpoints such as clinical signs of toxicity for lethality in these assays is also evaluated. Alternative assays for eye corrosion/irritation as well as those for skin corrosion/irritation are described with particular attention paid to the outcomes, both successful and unsuccessful, of several validation efforts. Alternative assays for contact sensitization and developmental/reproductive toxicity are presented as examples of methods designed for the examination of interactions between toxins and somewhat more complex physiological systems. Moreover, genetic engineering and toxicogenomics are discussed with an eye toward the future of biological experimentation in general. The implications of gene manipulation for research animals, specifically, are also examined. Finally, validation methods are investigated as to their effectiveness, or lack thereof, and suggestions for their standardization and improvement, as well as implementation are reviewed.

A study of the feasibility of mechanical pumps for use with the Pioneer-Venus probe mass spectrometer inlet system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, N. C.; Crosmer, W. E.; Nowak, D.

1973-01-01

A survey of mechanical vacuum pumps was completed. A small Roots blower for flight mass spectrometer applications was evaluated with respect to system operating parameters in a number of different modes of operation. The survey indicated that a metal bellows pump might be a viable alternative for the systems requirements. The results of the study are given, including current status of possible flight-type pumps, a systems analysis using available pumps, and recommendations for fabrication and tests of a potential flight-type pump.

Composite Flexible Blanket Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kourtides, Demetrius A. (Inventor); Pitts, William C. (Inventor); Goldstein, Howard E. (Inventor); Sawko, Paul M. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Composite flexible multilayer insulation systems (MLI) were evaluated for thermal performance and compared with the currently used fibrous silica (baseline) insulation system. The systems described are multilayer insulations consisting of alternating layers of metal foil and scrim ceramic cloth or vacuum metallized polymeric films quilted together using ceramic thread. A silicon carbide thread for use in the quilting and the method of making it are also described. These systems are useful in providing lightweight insulation for a variety of uses, particularly on the surface of aerospace vehicles subject to very high temperatures during flight.

Low Earth Orbit satellite/terrestrial mobile service compatibility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheriff, Ray E.; Gardiner, John G.

1993-01-01

Currently the geostationary type of satellite is the only one used to provide commercial mobile-satellite communication services. Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems are now being proposed as a future alternative. By the implementation of LEO satellite systems, predicted at between 5 and 8 years time, mobile space/terrestrial technology will have progressed to the third generation stage of development. This paper considers the system issues that will need to be addressed when developing a dual mode terminal, enabling access to both terrestrial and LEO satellite systems.

Clinical practice guidelines in complementary and alternative medicine. An analysis of opportunities and obstacles. Practice and Policy Guidelines Panel, National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine.

PubMed

1997-01-01

An estimated 1 of 3 Americans uses some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or herbal medicine. In 1995, the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine convened an expert panel to examine the role of clinical practice guidelines in CAM. The panel concluded that CAM practices currently are unsuitable for the development of evidence-based practice guidelines, in part because of the lack of relevant outcomes data from well-designed clinical trials. Moreover, the notions of standardization and appropriateness, inherent in guideline development, face challenging methodologic problems when applied to CAM, which considers many different treatment practices appropriate and encourages highly individualized care. Due to different belief systems and divergent theories about the nature of health and illness, CAM disciplines have fundamental differences in how they define target conditions, causes of disease, interventions, and outcome measures of effectiveness. These differences are even more striking when compared with those used by Western medicine. The panel made a series of recommendations on strategies to strengthen the evidence base for future guideline development in CAM and to meet better the current information needs of clinicians, patients, and guideline developers who seek information about CAM treatments.

Functional and organic eggs as an alternative to conventional production: a conjoint analysis of consumers' preferences.

PubMed

Mesías, Francisco J; Martínez-Carrasco, Federico; Martínez, José M; Gaspar, Paula

2011-02-01

In the current context of growing consumer demand for foodstuffs that are healthy and safe and that are obtained in a manner respectful to the welfare of animals, the analysis of consumer preferences towards attributes of this type takes on particular importance. These trends are especially clear in the case of the consumption of eggs because of their strong negative association with cholesterol levels and their extremely intensive systems of production. The introduction of variants that are more in harmony with current consumer demands represents an interesting market alternative. The present study was aimed at investigating the preferences of Spanish consumers for these alternative types of egg that are entering the market. The survey was conducted with 361 consumers from October 2007 to March 2008. The conjoint analysis allowed us to estimate the relative importance of the main attributes that affect consumer preferences for eggs and to distinguish segments of consumers with similar preference profiles. It was found that price is the most important attribute determining consumer preferences, followed by the hens' feed and their rearing conditions. It was also found that only some groups of consumers are willing to pay the premium necessary for alternative methods of production. 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

Estimating yield gaps at the cropping system level.

PubMed

Guilpart, Nicolas; Grassini, Patricio; Sadras, Victor O; Timsina, Jagadish; Cassman, Kenneth G

2017-05-01

Yield gap analyses of individual crops have been used to estimate opportunities for increasing crop production at local to global scales, thus providing information crucial to food security. However, increases in crop production can also be achieved by improving cropping system yield through modification of spatial and temporal arrangement of individual crops. In this paper we define the cropping system yield potential as the output from the combination of crops that gives the highest energy yield per unit of land and time, and the cropping system yield gap as the difference between actual energy yield of an existing cropping system and the cropping system yield potential. Then, we provide a framework to identify alternative cropping systems which can be evaluated against the current ones. A proof-of-concept is provided with irrigated rice-maize systems at four locations in Bangladesh that represent a range of climatic conditions in that country. The proposed framework identified (i) realistic alternative cropping systems at each location, and (ii) two locations where expected improvements in crop production from changes in cropping intensity (number of crops per year) were 43% to 64% higher than from improving the management of individual crops within the current cropping systems. The proposed framework provides a tool to help assess food production capacity of new systems ( e.g. with increased cropping intensity) arising from climate change, and assess resource requirements (water and N) and associated environmental footprint per unit of land and production of these new systems. By expanding yield gap analysis from individual crops to the cropping system level and applying it to new systems, this framework could also be helpful to bridge the gap between yield gap analysis and cropping/farming system design.

Photovoltaic system with improved DC connections and method of making same

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cioffi, Philip Michael; Todorovic, Maja Harfman; Herzog, Michael Scott

A micro-inverter assembly includes a housing having an opening formed in a bottom surface thereof, and a direct current (DC)-to-alternating current (AC) micro-inverter disposed within the housing at a position adjacent to the opening. The micro-inverter assembly further includes a micro-inverter DC connector electrically coupled to the DC-to-AC micro-inverter and positioned within the opening of the housing, the micro-inverter DC connector having a plurality of exposed electrical contacts.

Quality Assurance Framework for Mini-Grids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Esterly, Sean; Baring-Gould, Ian; Booth, Samuel

To address the root challenges of providing quality power to remote consumers through financially viable mini-grids, the Global Lighting and Energy Access Partnership (Global LEAP) initiative of the Clean Energy Ministerial and the U.S. Department of Energy teamed with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Power Africa to develop a Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) for isolated mini-grids. The framework addresses both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) mini-grids, and is applicable to renewable, fossil-fuel, and hybrid systems.

Hardware Model of a Shipboard Zonal Electrical Distribution System (ZEDS): Alternating Current/Direct Current (AC/DC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

perfect example on how to lead, manage and strive for excellence in every aspect of your life. Your leadership is essential to fostering the loyalty ...share my success, I could not have ever achieved the level of satisfaction and enjoyment that I have. You will never understand how helpful the...A typical wall mounted light switch is a single pole single throw switch. A common industrial motor start switch is a three pole single throw switch

PERINATAL EXPOSURE TO POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS AROCLOR 1016 OR 1254 DID NOT ALTER BRAIN CATECHOLAMINES NOR DELAYED ALTERNATION PERFORMANCE IN LONG EVANS RATS

EPA Science Inventory

Several reports have indicated that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) altered development of biogenic amine systems in the brain, impaired behavioral performances and disrupted maturation of the thyroid axis. The current study examines whether these developmental effects of PCB ar...

75 FR 27982 - Foreign-Trade Zone 14-Little Rock, Arkansas Application for Reorganization/Expansion Under...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-19

... Rock, Arkansas Application for Reorganization/Expansion Under Alternative Site Framework An application... current zone project includes the following sites: Site 1 (759.48 acres)--located at the Little Rock Port... of the Little Rock Port Industrial Park, on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System...

Computer Simulation Modeling: A Method for Predicting the Utilities of Alternative Computer-Aided Treat Evaluation Algorithms

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

1988). Current versions of the ADATS have CATE systems insLzlled, but the software is still under development by the radar manufacturer, Contraves ...Italiana, a subcontractor to Martin Marietta (USA). Contraves Italiana will deliver the final version of the software to Martin Marietta in 1991. Until then

Organic Production: Recent Publications and Current Information Sources. Special Reference Briefs: SRB 95-01.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD.

The activities of the National Organic Standards Board, coupled with the movement towards "sustainable systems" and continued consumer support for organic foods, have made farming organically an increasingly viable alternative for many U.S. farmers. This list of resources is provided to accommodate increasing requests for information on…

78 FR 45918 - Application for Presidential Permit; Soule River Hydroelectric Project

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-30

... Hydro. Soule Hydro proposes to construct and operate a high-voltage alternating current (HVAC... 8-mile long, 138 kilovolt (kV) HVAC 3-phase submarine cable that would be laid on the floor of... whether the proposed project would adversely affect the operation of the U.S. electric power supply system...

Does Performance-Based Pay Improve Teaching? PISA in Focus. No. 16

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

OECD Publishing (NJ1), 2012

2012-01-01

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has long established that high-performing education systems tend to pay their teachers more. They also often prioritise the quality of teaching over other choices, including class size. But in the current budgetary climate, paying everybody more may not be a viable alternative. So many…

CORRRECTIVE ACTION DECISION DOCUMENT FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION UNIT 427: AREA 3 SEPTIC WASTE SYSTEMS 2 AND 6, TONOPAH TEST RANGE, NEVADA, REVISION 0, JUNE 1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

ITLV.

1998-06-01

This Corrective Action Decision Document has been prepared for the Area 3 Septic Waste Systems 2 and 6 (Corrective Action Unit 427) in accordance with the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent Order of 1996 (FFACO, 1996). Corrective Action Unit 427 is located at the Tonopah Test Range, Nevada, and is comprised of the following Corrective Action Sites, each an individual septic waste system (DOE/NV, 1996a): Septic Waste System 2 is Corrective Action Site Number 03-05-002-SW02. Septic Waste System 6 is Corrective Action Site Number 03-05-002-SW06. The purpose of this Corrective Action Decision Document is to identify and provide a rationalemore » for the selection of a recommended corrective action alternative for each Corrective Action Site. The scope of this Correction Action Decision Document consists of the following tasks: Develop corrective action objectives. Identify corrective action alternative screening criteria. Develop corrective action alternatives. Perform detailed and comparative evaluations of the corrective action alternatives in relation to the corrective action objectives and screening criteria. Recommend and justify a preferred corrective action alternative for each CAS. From November 1997 through January 1998, a corrective action investigation was performed as set forth in the Corrective Action Investigation Plan for Corrective Action Unit No. 427: Area 3 Septic Waste System Numbers 2 and 6, Tonopah Test Range, Nevada (DOE/NV, 1997b). Details can be found in Appendix A of this document. The results indicated that contamination is present in some portions of the CAU and not in others as described in Table ES-1 and shown in Figure A.2-2 of Appendix A. Based on the potential exposure pathways, the following corrective action objectives have been identified for Corrective Action Unit 427: Prevent or mitigate human exposure to subsurface soils containing TPH at concentrations greater than 100 milligrams per kilogram (NAC, 1996b). Close Septic Tank 33-5 in accordance with Nevada Administrative Code 459 (NAC, 1996c). Prevent adverse impacts to groundwater quality. Based on the review of existing data, future land use, and current operations at the Tonopah Test Range, the following alternatives were developed for consideration at the Area 3 Septic Waste Systems 2 and 6: Alternative 1 - No Further Action Alternative 2 - Closure of Septic Tank 33-5 and Administrative Controls Alternative 3 - Closure of Septic Tank 33-5, Excavation, and Disposal The corrective action alternatives were evaluated based on four general corrective action standards and five remedy selection decision factors. Based on the results of this evaluation, the preferred alternative for Corrective Action Unit 427 is Alternative 2, Closure of Septic Tank 33-5 and Administrative Controls. The preferred corrective action alternative was evaluated on technical merit, focusing on performance, reliability, feasibility, and safety. The alternative was judged to meet all requirements for the technical components evaluated. The alternative meets all applicable state and federal regulations for closure of the site and will reduce potential future exposure pathways to the contaminated soils. During corrective action implementation, this alternative will present minimal potential threat to site workers who come in contact with the waste. However, procedures will be developed and implemented to ensure worker health and safety.« less

Apparatus and method for critical current measurements

DOEpatents

Martin, Joe A.; Dye, Robert C.

1992-01-01

An apparatus for the measurement of the critical current of a superconductive sample, e.g., a clad superconductive sample, the apparatus including a conductive coil, a means for maintaining the coil in proximity to a superconductive sample, an electrical connection means for passing a low amplitude alternating current through the coil, a cooling means for maintaining the superconductive sample at a preselected temperature, a means for passing a current through the superconductive sample, and, a means for monitoring reactance of the coil, is disclosed, together with a process of measuring the critical current of a superconductive material, e.g., a clad superconductive material, by placing a superconductive material into the vicinity of the conductive coil of such an apparatus, cooling the superconductive material to a preselected temperature, passing a low amplitude alternating current through the coil, the alternating current capable of generating a magnetic field sufficient to penetrate, e.g., any cladding, and to induce eddy currents in the superconductive material, passing a steadily increasing current through the superconductive material, the current characterized as having a different frequency than the alternating current, and, monitoring the reactance of the coil with a phase sensitive detector as the current passed through the superconductive material is steadily increased whereby critical current of the superconductive material can be observed as the point whereat a component of impedance deviates.

A decision tree model to estimate the value of information provided by a groundwater quality monitoring network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khader, A. I.; Rosenberg, D. E.; McKee, M.

2013-05-01

Groundwater contaminated with nitrate poses a serious health risk to infants when this contaminated water is used for culinary purposes. To avoid this health risk, people need to know whether their culinary water is contaminated or not. Therefore, there is a need to design an effective groundwater monitoring network, acquire information on groundwater conditions, and use acquired information to inform management options. These actions require time, money, and effort. This paper presents a method to estimate the value of information (VOI) provided by a groundwater quality monitoring network located in an aquifer whose water poses a spatially heterogeneous and uncertain health risk. A decision tree model describes the structure of the decision alternatives facing the decision-maker and the expected outcomes from these alternatives. The alternatives include (i) ignore the health risk of nitrate-contaminated water, (ii) switch to alternative water sources such as bottled water, or (iii) implement a previously designed groundwater quality monitoring network that takes into account uncertainties in aquifer properties, contaminant transport processes, and climate (Khader, 2012). The VOI is estimated as the difference between the expected costs of implementing the monitoring network and the lowest-cost uninformed alternative. We illustrate the method for the Eocene Aquifer, West Bank, Palestine, where methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) is the main health problem associated with the principal contaminant nitrate. The expected cost of each alternative is estimated as the weighted sum of the costs and probabilities (likelihoods) associated with the uncertain outcomes resulting from the alternative. Uncertain outcomes include actual nitrate concentrations in the aquifer, concentrations reported by the monitoring system, whether people abide by manager recommendations to use/not use aquifer water, and whether people get sick from drinking contaminated water. Outcome costs include healthcare for methemoglobinemia, purchase of bottled water, and installation and maintenance of the groundwater monitoring system. At current methemoglobinemia and bottled water costs of 150/person and 0.6/baby/day, the decision tree results show that the expected cost of establishing the proposed groundwater quality monitoring network exceeds the expected costs of the uninformed alternatives and there is no value to the information the monitoring system provides. However, the monitoring system will be preferred to ignoring the health risk or using alternative sources if the methemoglobinemia cost rises to 300/person or the bottled water cost increases to 2.3/baby/day. Similarly, the monitoring system has value if the system can more accurately report actual aquifer concentrations and the public more fully abides by manager recommendations to use/not use the aquifer. The system also has value if it will serve a larger population or if its installation costs can be reduced, for example using a smaller number of monitoring wells. The VOI analysis shows how monitoring system design, accuracy, installation and operating costs, public awareness of health risks, costs of alternatives, and demographics together affect the value of implementing a system to monitor groundwater quality.

A decision tree model to estimate the value of information provided by a groundwater quality monitoring network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khader, A.; Rosenberg, D.; McKee, M.

2012-12-01

Nitrate pollution poses a health risk for infants whose freshwater drinking source is groundwater. This risk creates a need to design an effective groundwater monitoring network, acquire information on groundwater conditions, and use acquired information to inform management. These actions require time, money, and effort. This paper presents a method to estimate the value of information (VOI) provided by a groundwater quality monitoring network located in an aquifer whose water poses a spatially heterogeneous and uncertain health risk. A decision tree model describes the structure of the decision alternatives facing the decision maker and the expected outcomes from these alternatives. The alternatives include: (i) ignore the health risk of nitrate contaminated water, (ii) switch to alternative water sources such as bottled water, or (iii) implement a previously designed groundwater quality monitoring network that takes into account uncertainties in aquifer properties, pollution transport processes, and climate (Khader and McKee, 2012). The VOI is estimated as the difference between the expected costs of implementing the monitoring network and the lowest-cost uninformed alternative. We illustrate the method for the Eocene Aquifer, West Bank, Palestine where methemoglobinemia is the main health problem associated with the principal pollutant nitrate. The expected cost of each alternative is estimated as the weighted sum of the costs and probabilities (likelihoods) associated with the uncertain outcomes resulting from the alternative. Uncertain outcomes include actual nitrate concentrations in the aquifer, concentrations reported by the monitoring system, whether people abide by manager recommendations to use/not-use aquifer water, and whether people get sick from drinking contaminated water. Outcome costs include healthcare for methemoglobinemia, purchase of bottled water, and installation and maintenance of the groundwater monitoring system. At current methemoglobinemia and bottled water costs of 150 $/person and 0.6 $/baby/day, the decision tree results show that the expected cost of establishing the proposed groundwater quality monitoring network exceeds the expected costs of the uninformed alternatives and there is not value to the information the monitoring system provides. However, the monitoring system will be preferred to ignoring the health risk or using alternative sources if the methemoglobinemia cost rises to 300 $/person or the bottled water cost increases to 2.3 $/baby/day. Similarly, the monitoring system has value if the system can more accurately report actual aquifer concentrations and the public more fully abides by managers' recommendations to use/not use the aquifer. The system also has value if it will serve a larger population or if its installation costs can be reduced, for example using a smaller number of monitoring wells. The VOI analysis shows how monitoring system design, accuracy, installation and operating costs, public awareness of health risks, costs of alternatives, and demographics together affect the value of implementing a system to monitor groundwater quality.

ALTERNATIVES TO HELIUM-3 FOR NEUTRON MULTIPLICITY DETECTORS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ely, James H.; Siciliano, Edward R.; Swinhoe, Martyn T.

Collaboration between the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is underway to evaluate neutron detection technologies that might replace the high-pressure helium (3He) tubes currently used in neutron multiplicity counter for safeguards applications. The current stockpile of 3He is diminishing and alternatives are needed for a variety of neutron detection applications including multiplicity counters. The first phase of this investigation uses a series of Monte Carlo calculations to simulate the performance of an existing neutron multiplicity counter configuration by replacing the 3He tubes in a model for that counter with candidate alternative technologies. Thesemore » alternative technologies are initially placed in approximately the same configuration as the 3He tubes to establish a reference level of performance against the 3He-based system. After these reference-level results are established, the configurations of the alternative models will be further modified for performance optimization. The 3He model for these simulations is the one used by LANL to develop and benchmark the Epithermal Neutron Multiplicity Counter (ENMC) detector, as documented by H.O. Menlove, et al. in the 2004 LANL report LA-14088. The alternative technologies being evaluated are the boron-tri-fluoride-filled proportional tubes, boron-lined tubes, and lithium coated materials previously tested as possible replacements in portal monitor screening applications, as documented by R.T. Kouzes, et al. in the 2010 PNNL report PNNL-72544 and NIM A 623 (2010) 1035–1045. The models and methods used for these comparative calculations will be described and preliminary results shown« less

Feasibility analysis of a novel hybrid-type superconducting circuit breaker in multi-terminal HVDC networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Umer Amir; Lee, Jong-Geon; Seo, In-Jin; Amir, Faisal; Lee, Bang-Wook

2015-11-01

Voltage source converter-based HVDC systems (VSC-HVDC) are a better alternative than conventional thyristor-based HVDC systems, especially for developing multi-terminal HVDC systems (MTDC). However, one of the key obstacles in developing MTDC is the absence of an adequate protection system that can quickly detect faults, locate the faulty line and trip the HVDC circuit breakers (DCCBs) to interrupt the DC fault current. In this paper, a novel hybrid-type superconducting circuit breaker (SDCCB) is proposed and feasibility analyses of its application in MTDC are presented. The SDCCB has a superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) located in the main current path to limit fault currents until the final trip signal is received. After the trip signal the IGBT located in the main line commutates the current into a parallel line where DC current is forced to zero by the combination of IGBTs and surge arresters. Fault simulations for three-, four- and five-terminal MTDC were performed and SDCCB performance was evaluated in these MTDC. Passive current limitation by SFCL caused a significant reduction of fault current interruption stress in the SDCCB. It was observed that the DC current could change direction in MTDC after a fault and the SDCCB was modified to break the DC current in both the forward and reverse directions. The simulation results suggest that the proposed SDCCB could successfully suppress the DC fault current, cause a timely interruption, and isolate the faulty HVDC line in MTDC.

Energy use in pig production: an examination of current Iowa systems.

PubMed

Lammers, P J; Kenealy, M D; Kliebenstein, J B; Harmon, J D; Helmers, M J; Honeyman, M S

2012-03-01

This paper compares energy use for different pig production systems in Iowa, a leader in US swine production. Pig production systems include not only the growth and performance of the pigs, but also the supporting infrastructure of pig production. This supporting infrastructure includes swine housing, facility management, feedstuff provision, swine diets, and manure management. Six different facility type × diet formulation × cropping sequence scenarios were modeled and compared. The baseline system examined produces 15,600 pigs annually using confinement facilities and a corn-soybean cropping sequence. Diet formulations for the baseline system were corn-soybean meal diets that included the synthetic AA l-lysine and exogenous phytase. The baseline system represents the majority of current US pork production in the Upper Midwest, where most US swine are produced. This system was found to require 744.6 MJ per 136-kg market pig. An alternative system that uses bedded hoop barns for grow-finish pigs and gestating sows would require 3% less (720.8 MJ) energy per 136-kg market pig. When swine production systems were assessed, diet type and feed ingredient processing were the major influences on energy use, accounting for 61 and 79% of total energy in conventional and hoop barn-based systems, respectively. Improving feed efficiency and better matching the diet formulation with the thermal environment and genetic potential are thus key aspects of reducing energy use by pig production, particularly in a hoop barn-based system. The most energy-intensive aspect of provisioning pig feed is the production of synthetic N for crop production; thus, effectively recycling manure nutrients to cropland is another important avenue for future research. Almost 25% of energy use by a conventional farrow-to-finish pig production system is attributable to operation of the swine buildings. Developing strategies to minimize energy use for heating and ventilation of swine buildings while maintaining pig comfort and performance is a third critical area for future research. The hoop barn-based alternative uses 64% less energy to operate buildings but requires bedding and 2.4% more feed. Current Iowa pig production systems use energy differently but result in similar total energy use. Compared with 1975, current farrow-to-finish systems in Iowa require 80% less energy to produce live market pigs.

49 CFR 236.2 - Grounds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., single-break, signal control circuits using a grounded common, and alternating current power distribution...) Alternating current power distribution circuits that are grounded in the interest of safety. ...

TDRSS telecommunications system, PN code analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dixon, R.; Gold, R.; Kaiser, F.

1976-01-01

The pseudo noise (PN) codes required to support the TDRSS telecommunications services are analyzed and the impact of alternate coding techniques on the user transponder equipment, the TDRSS equipment, and all factors that contribute to the acquisition and performance of these telecommunication services is assessed. Possible alternatives to the currently proposed hybrid FH/direct sequence acquisition procedures are considered and compared relative to acquisition time, implementation complexity, operational reliability, and cost. The hybrid FH/direct sequence technique is analyzed and rejected in favor of a recommended approach which minimizes acquisition time and user transponder complexity while maximizing probability of acquisition and overall link reliability.

Accounting for the move to ambulatory patient groups.

PubMed

Boyagian, H R; Dessingue, R F

1998-07-01

This article focuses on the cost accounting challenge an ambulatory patient group (APG)-like-based prospective payment system presents to providers and the issues associated with that challenge. In particular, how can costs be identified, how can the differences in costs be associated with alternative settings, and how do costs identified through a detailed resource costing methodology compare to estimates using alternative measures? The results presented suggest that decisions made based on current measures of ambulatory cost (i.e., charge-based measures) need to be reexamined. These decisions could include which services to provide, what setting is appropriate, and where marketshare opportunities exist.

A Website System for Communicating Psychological Science.

PubMed

Diener, Ed

2017-07-01

The peer review and journal system have shortcomings, and both computers and the Internet have made complementary or alternative systems attractive. In this article, I recommend that we implement a new platform for open communication of psychological science on a dedicated website to complement the current review and journal system, with reader reviews of the articles and with all behavioral scientists being eligible to publish and review articles. The judged merit of articles would be based on the citations and the ratings of the work by the whole scientific community. This online journal will be quicker, more democratic, and more informative than the current system. Although the details of the system should be debated and formulated by a committee of scientists, adding this online journal to the existing publications of a society such as the Association for Psychological Science has few risks and many possible gains. An online journal deserves to be tried and assessed.

The Global Positioning System for Military Users: Current Modernization Plans and Alternatives

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

stronger signal would not be available. That drawback might be mitigated, however, by the widespread availability on the commercial market of small...development efforts needed to achieve such reductions would have associated costs. An additional drawback of Option 2 is that operation of iGPS...the Foucault pendulum but uses a vibrating element, known as a Micro Electro-Mechanical System, instead of an actual pendulum . iGPS Module. The

Military aviation: a contact lens review.

PubMed

Lattimore, M R

1990-10-01

The military aviation communities have benefitted from the development of advanced electro-optical avionics systems. One drawback that has emerged is an increasing system incompatibility with traditional spectacle visual corrections. An alternative solution to the refractive error correction problem that some services have been investigating is that of contact lens wear. Since this much-debated topic is currently of command interest, a general overview of contact lens issues is presented as a framework for future discussions.

Assessing the Impact of Development Disruptions and Dependencies in Analysis of Alternatives of System-of-Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-31

WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Purdue University,West Lafayette,IN,47907 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT...operational independence, yet, must work cohesively to achieve an overarching set of capabilities. Current guidelines set forth by the Department of Defense...architectures; these methods will be further matured and enhanced in follow-up research work under RT-44. 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY

A fiber-optic current sensor for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Richard L.; Rose, A. H.; Tang, D.; Day, G. W.

1990-01-01

A robust, accurate, broad-band, alternating current sensor using fiber optics is being developed for space applications at power frequencies as high as 20 kHz. It can also be used in low and high voltage 60 Hz terrestrial power systems and in 400 Hz aircraft systems. It is intrinsically electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune and has the added benefit of excellent isolation. The sensor uses the Faraday effect in optical fiber and standard polarimetric measurements to sense electrical current. The primary component of the sensor is a specially treated coil of single-mode optical fiber, through which the current carrying conductor passes. Improved precision is accomplished by temperature compensation by means of signals from a novel fiber-optic temperature sensor embedded in the sensing head. The technology contained in the sensor is examined and the results of precision tests conducted at various temperatures within the wide operating range are given. The results of early EMI tests are also given.

A fiber-optic current sensor for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Richard L.; Rose, A. H.; Tang, D.; Day, G. W.

1990-01-01

A robust, accurate, broadband, alternating current sensor using fiber optics is being developed for space applications at power frequencies as high as 20 kHz. It can also be used in low and high voltage 60-Hz terrestrial power systems and in 400-Hz aircraft systems. It is intrinsically electromagnetic interference (EMI) immune and has the added benefit of excellent isolation. The sensor uses the Faraday effect in optical fiber and standard polarimetric measurements to sense electrical current. The primary component of the sensor is a specially treated coil of single-mode optical fiber, through which the current carrying conductor passes. Improved precision is accomplished by temperature compensation by means of signals from a novel fiber-optic temperature sensor embedded in the sensing head. The technology used in the sensor is examined and the results of precision tests conducted at various temperatures within the wide operating range are given. The results of early EMI tests are also given.

A fiber-optic current sensor for aerospace applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Richard L.; Rose, A. H.; Tang, D.; Day, G. W.

1990-01-01

A robust, accurate, broadband, alternating current sensor using fiber optics is being developed for space applications at power frequencies as high as 20 kHz. It can also be used in low- and high-voltage 60-Hz terrestrial power systems and in 400-Hz aircraft systems. It is intrinsically EMI (electromagnetic interference) immune and has the added benefit of excellent isolation. The sensor uses the Faraday effect in optical fiber and standard polarimetric measurements to sense electrical current. The primary component of the sensor is a specially treated coil of single-mode optical fiber, through which the current carrying conductor passes. Improved precision is accomplished by temperature compensation by means of signals from a fiber-optic temperature sensor embedded in the sensing head. The authors report on the technology contained in the sensor and also relate the results of precision tests conducted at various temperatures within the wide operating range. The results of early EMI tests are shown.

Development of an alternating magnetic-field-assisted finishing process for microelectromechanical systems micropore x-ray optics.

PubMed

Riveros, Raul E; Yamaguchi, Hitomi; Mitsuishi, Ikuyuki; Takagi, Utako; Ezoe, Yuichiro; Kato, Fumiki; Sugiyama, Susumu; Yamasaki, Noriko; Mitsuda, Kazuhisa

2010-06-20

X-ray astronomy research is often limited by the size, weight, complexity, and cost of functioning x-ray optics. Micropore optics promises an economical alternative to traditional (e.g., glass or foil) x-ray optics; however, many manufacturing difficulties prevent micropore optics from being a viable solution. Ezoe et al. introduced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) micropore optics having curvilinear micropores in 2008. Made by either deep reactive ion etching or x-ray lithography, electroforming, and molding (LIGA), MEMS micropore optics suffer from high micropore sidewall roughness (10-30nmrms) which, by current standards, cannot be improved. In this research, a new alternating magnetic-field-assisted finishing process was developed using a mixture of ferrofluid and microscale abrasive slurry. A machine was built, and a set of working process parameters including alternating frequency, abrasive size, and polishing time was selected. A polishing experiment on a LIGA-fabricated MEMS micropore optic was performed, and a change in micropore sidewall roughness of 9.3+/-2.5nmrms to 5.7+/-0.7nmrms was measured. An improvement in x-ray reflectance was also seen. This research shows the feasibility and confirms the effects of this new polishing process on MEMS micropore optics.

Experimental validation of the dual positive and negative ion beam acceleration in the plasma propulsion with electronegative gases thruster

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rafalskyi, Dmytro, E-mail: dmytro.rafalskyi@lpp.polytechnique.fr; Popelier, Lara; Aanesland, Ane

The PEGASES (Plasma Propulsion with Electronegative Gases) thruster is a gridded ion thruster, where both positive and negative ions are accelerated to generate thrust. In this way, additional downstream neutralization by electrons is redundant. To achieve this, the thruster accelerates alternately positive and negative ions from an ion-ion plasma where the electron density is three orders of magnitude lower than the ion densities. This paper presents a first experimental study of the alternate acceleration in PEGASES, where SF{sub 6} is used as the working gas. Various electrostatic probes are used to investigate the source plasma potential and the energy, composition,more » and current of the extracted beams. We show here that the plasma potential control in such system is key parameter defining success of ion extraction and is sensitive to both parasitic electron current paths in the source region and deposition of sulphur containing dielectric films on the grids. In addition, large oscillations in the ion-ion plasma potential are found in the negative ion extraction phase. The oscillation occurs when the primary plasma approaches the grounded parts of the main core via sub-millimetres technological inputs. By controlling and suppressing the various undesired effects, we achieve perfect ion-ion plasma potential control with stable oscillation-free operation in the range of the available acceleration voltages (±350 V). The measured positive and negative ion currents in the beam are about 10 mA for each component at RF power of 100 W and non-optimized extraction system. Two different energy analyzers with and without magnetic electron suppression system are used to measure and compare the negative and positive ion and electron fluxes formed by the thruster. It is found that at alternate ion-ion extraction the positive and negative ion energy peaks are similar in areas and symmetrical in position with +/− ion energy corresponding to the amplitude of the applied acceleration voltage.« less

Methane Hydrate in Confined Spaces: An Alternative Storage System.

PubMed

Borchardt, Lars; Casco, Mirian Elizabeth; Silvestre-Albero, Joaquin

2018-06-05

Methane hydrate inheres the great potential to be a nature-inspired alternative for chemical energy storage, as it allows to store large amounts of methane in a dense solid phase. The embedment of methane hydrate in the confined environment of porous materials can be capitalized for potential applications as its physicochemical properties, such as the formation kinetics or pressure and temperature stability, are significantly changed compared to the bulk system. We review this topic from a materials scientific perspective by considering porous carbons, silica, clays, zeolites, and polymers as host structures for methane hydrate formation. We discuss the contribution of advanced characterization techniques and theoretical simulations towards the elucidation of the methane hydrate formation and dissociation process within the confined space. We outline the scientific challenges this system is currently facing and look on possible future applications for this technology. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A compendium of solar dish/Stirling technology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stine, W.B.; Diver, R.B.

1994-01-01

This report surveys the emerging dish/Stirling technology. It documents -- using consistent terminology the design characteristics of dish concentrators, receivers, and Stirling engines applicable to solar electric power generation. Development status and operating experience for each system and an overview of dish/Stirling technology are also presented. This report enables comparisons of concentrator, receiver, and engine technologies. Specifications and performance data are presented on systems and on components that are in use or that could be used in dish/Stirling systems. This report is organized into two parts: The first part (Chapters 1 through 4) provides an overview of dish/Stirling technology --more » the dish/ Stirling components (concentrator, receiver, and engine/alternator), current technology, basic theory, and technology development. The second part (Chapters 5 through 7) provides a detailed survey of the existing dish/Stirling concentrators, receivers, and engine/alternators.« less

ACMV Energy Analysis for Academic Building: A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hywel, R.; Tee, B. T.; Arifin, M. Y.; Tan, C. F.; Gan, C. K.; Chong, CT

2015-09-01

Building energy audit examines the ways actual energy consumption is currently used in the facility, in the case of a completed and occupied building and identifies some alternatives to reduce current energy usage. Implementation of energy audit are practically used to analyze energy consumption pattern, monitoring on how the energy used varies with time in the building, how the system element interrelate, and study the effect of external environment towards building. In this case study, a preliminary energy audit is focusing on Air-Conditioning & Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) system which reportedly consumed 40% of the total energy consumption in typical building. It is also the main system that provides comfortable and healthy environment for the occupants. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the current ACMV system performance, energy optimization and identifying the energy waste on UTeM's academic building. To attain this, the preliminary data is collected and then analyzed. Based on the data, economic analysis will be determined before cost-saving methods are being proposed.

Non-invasive Renal Denervation: Update on External Ultrasound Approaches.

PubMed

Schmieder, Roland E; Ott, Christian; Bramlage, Peter

2016-06-01

In the last decade, intravenous renal denervation (RDN) has emerged as an alternative to pharmacological treatment in patients with resistant hypertension, but currently involves an invasive and technically challenging procedure. The Surround Sound™ system utilises externally delivered ultrasound to achieve RDN using a completely non-invasive, automated real-time tracking system coupled with a therapeutic delivery module thereby addressing these limitations. A brief history, technical overview and summary of preclinical and clinical studies of the KonaMedical Surround Sound™ system are presented. A literature search using the terms "renal denervation", "resistant hypertension" and "external ultrasound" was performed using PubMed, and references retrieved were selected based on relevancy and year of publication (date range 1991-2015). The Surround Sound™ system appears to be a promising approach to RDN which eliminates several of the factors currently limiting the intravenous approach. So far, it has demonstrated efficacy for reducing blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients with minimal adverse effects. Several double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trials are currently underway to confirm the validity of these findings.

Conjunctive-management models for sustained yield of stream-aquifer systems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barlow, P.M.; Ahlfeld, D.P.; Dickerman, D.C.

2003-01-01

Conjunctive-management models that couple numerical simulation with linear optimization were developed to evaluate trade-offs between groundwater withdrawals and streamflow depletions for alluvial-valley stream-aquifer systems representative of those of the northeastern United States. A conjunctive-management model developed for a hypothetical stream-aquifer system was used to assess the effect of interannual hydrologic variability on minimum monthly streamflow requirements. The conjunctive-management model was applied to the Hunt-Annaquatucket-Pettaquamscutt stream-aquifer system of central Rhode Island. Results show that it is possible to increase the amount of current withdrawal from the aquifer by as much as 50% by modifying current withdrawal schedules, modifying the number and configuration of wells in the supply-well network, or allowing increased streamflow depletion in the Annaquatucket and Pettaquamscutt rivers. Alternatively, it is possible to reduce current rates of streamflow depletion in the Hunt River by as much as 35% during the summer, but such reductions would result increases in groundwater withdrawals.

Reflecting on the mirror neuron system in autism: a systematic review of current theories.

PubMed

Hamilton, Antonia F de C

2013-01-01

There is much interest in the claim that dysfunction of the mirror neuron system in individuals with autism spectrum condition causes difficulties in social interaction and communication. This paper systematically reviews all published studies using neuroscience methods (EEG/MEG/TMS/eyetracking/EMG/fMRI) to examine the integrity of the mirror system in autism. 25 suitable papers are reviewed. The review shows that current data are very mixed and that studies using weakly localised measures of the integrity of the mirror system are hard to interpret. The only well localised measure of mirror system function is fMRI. In fMRI studies, those using emotional stimuli have reported group differences, but studies using non-emotional hand action stimuli do not. Overall, there is little evidence for a global dysfunction of the mirror system in autism. Current data can be better understood under an alternative model in which social top-down response modulation is abnormal in autism. The implications of this model and future research directions are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Test Results for Rotordynamic Coefficients of the SSME HPOTP Turbine Interstage Seal with Two Swirl Brakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Childs, Dara W.; Baskharone, Erian; Ramsey, Christopher

1991-01-01

Test results are presented for the HPOTP Turbine Interstage Seal with both the current and an alternate, aerodynamically designed, swirl brake. Tests were conducted at speeds out to 16,000 rpm, supply pressures up to 18.3 bars, and the following three inlet tangential velocity conditions: (1) no preswirl; (2) intermediate preswirl in the direction of rotation; and (3) high preswirl in the direction of rotation. The back pressure can be controlled independently and was varied to yield the following four pressure ratios: 0.4, 0.45, 0.56, and 0.67. The central and simplest conclusion to be obtained from the test series is that the alternate swirl brake consistently outperforms the current swirl brake in terms of stability performance. The alternate swirl brake's whirl frequency ratio was generally about one half or less than corresponding values for the current design. In many cases, the alternate design yielded negative whirl frequency ratio values in comparison to positive values for the current design. The alternate design can be directly substituted into the space currently occupied by the current design. There is no change in leakage performance.

An overview of expert systems. [artificial intelligence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gevarter, W. B.

1982-01-01

An expert system is defined and its basic structure is discussed. The knowledge base, the inference engine, and uses of expert systems are discussed. Architecture is considered, including choice of solution direction, reasoning in the presence of uncertainty, searching small and large search spaces, handling large search spaces by transforming them and by developing alternative or additional spaces, and dealing with time. Existing expert systems are reviewed. Tools for building such systems, construction, and knowledge acquisition and learning are discussed. Centers of research and funding sources are listed. The state-of-the-art, current problems, required research, and future trends are summarized.

Molten salt thermal energy storage for utility peaking loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrara, A.; Haslett, R.; Joyce, J.

1977-01-01

This paper considers the use of thermal energy storage (TES) in molten salts to increase the capacity of power plants. Five existing fossil and nuclear electric utility plants were selected as representative of current technology. A review of system load diagrams indicated that TES to meet loads over 95% of peak was a reasonable goal. Alternate TES heat exchanger locations were evaluated, showing that the stored energy should be used either for feedwater heating or to generate steam for an auxiliary power cycle. Specific salts for each concept are recommended. Design layouts were prepared for one plant, and it was shown that a TES tube/shell heat exchanger system could provide about 7% peaking capability at lower cost than adding steam generation capacity. Promising alternate heat exchanger concepts were also identified.

Cathodic Protection Measurement Through Inline Inspection Technology Uses and Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, Briana Ley

This research supports the evaluation of an impressed current cathodic protection (CP) system of a buried coated steel pipeline through alternative technology and methods, via an inline inspection device (ILI, CP ILI tool, or tool), in order to prevent and mitigate external corrosion. This thesis investigates the ability to measure the current density of a pipeline's CP system from inside of a pipeline rather than manually from outside, and then convert that CP ILI tool reading into a pipe-to-soil potential as required by regulations and standards. This was demonstrated through a mathematical model that utilizes applications of Ohm's Law, circuit concepts, and attenuation principles in order to match the results of the ILI sample data by varying parameters of the model (i.e., values for over potential and coating resistivity). This research has not been conducted previously in order to determine if the protected potential range can be achieved with respect to the predicted current density from the CP ILI device. Kirchhoff's method was explored, but certain principals could not be used in the model as manual measurements were required. This research was based on circuit concepts which indirectly affected electrochemical processes. Through Ohm's law, the results show that a constant current density is possible in the protected potential range; therefore, indicates polarization of the pipeline, which leads to calcareous deposit development with respect to electrochemistry. Calcareous deposit is desirable in industry since it increases the resistance of the pipeline coating and lowers current, thus slowing the oxygen diffusion process. This research conveys that an alternative method for CP evaluation from inside of the pipeline is possible where the pipe-to-soil potential can be estimated (as required by regulations) from the ILI tool's current density measurement.

Review of alternate automotive engine fuel economy. Final report January-October 78

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cole, D.; Bolt, J.A.; Huber, P.

This study assessed the potential of alternate automotive engines to meet the fuel economy goals and emission levels of the 1980-1990 period. As part of NHTSA's continuing research in support of the Department of Transportation fuel economy activities, this study reviewed those developments offering viable substitutes for the current spark ignition engine systems. Categories assessed included stratified charge, diesels, turbo charging, rotary/Wankel engines, and the developmental gas turbine and Stirling cycle engines. Results of past and on-going research through 1978 were reviewed along with the development and production status of various alternate engine technologies proposed for automobiles and light trucksmore » through the 1980s. Assessment was then made of the potential fuel economy improvement as a percentage of 1978 baseline data.« less

A Multi-Purpose Modular Electronics Integration Node for Exploration Extravehicular Activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodgson, Edward; Papale, William; Wichowski, Robert; Rosenbush, David; Hawes, Kevin; Stankiewicz, Tom

2013-01-01

As NASA works to develop an effective integrated portable life support system design for exploration Extravehicular activity (EVA), alternatives to the current system s electrical power and control architecture are needed to support new requirements for flexibility, maintainability, reliability, and reduced mass and volume. Experience with the current Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) has demonstrated that the current architecture, based in a central power supply, monitoring and control unit, with dedicated analog wiring harness connections to active components in the system has a significant impact on system packaging and seriously constrains design flexibility in adapting to component obsolescence and changing system needs over time. An alternative architecture based in the use of a digital data bus offers possible wiring harness and system power savings, but risks significant penalties in component complexity and cost. A hybrid architecture that relies on a set of electronic and power interface nodes serving functional models within the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) is proposed to minimize both packaging and component level penalties. A common interface node hardware design can further reduce penalties by reducing the nonrecurring development costs, making miniaturization more practical, maximizing opportunities for maturation and reliability growth, providing enhanced fault tolerance, and providing stable design interfaces for system components and a central control. Adaptation to varying specific module requirements can be achieved with modest changes in firmware code within the module. A preliminary design effort has developed a common set of hardware interface requirements and functional capabilities for such a node based on anticipated modules comprising an exploration PLSS, and a prototype node has been designed assembled, programmed, and tested. One instance of such a node has been adapted to support testing the swingbed carbon dioxide and humidity control element in NASA s advanced PLSS 2.0 test article. This paper will describe the common interface node design concept, results of the prototype development and test effort, and plans for use in NASA PLSS 2.0 integrated tests.

Simulated Water-Management Alternatives Using the Modular Modeling System for the Methow River Basin, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Konrad, Christopher P.

2004-01-01

A precipitation-runoff model for the Methow River Basin was used to simulate six alternatives: (1) baseline of current flow, (2) line irrigation canals to limit seepage losses, (3) increase surface-water diversions through unlined canals for aquifer recharge, (4) convert from surface-water to ground-water resources to supply water for irrigation, and (5) reduce tree density in forested headwater catchments, and (6) natural flow. Daily streamflow from October 1, 1959, to September 30, 2001 (water years 1960?2001) was simulated. Lining irrigation canals (alternative 2) increased flows in the Chewuch, Twisp, and the Methow (upstream and at Twisp) Rivers during September because of lower diversion rates, but not in the Methow River near Pateros. Increasing diversions for aquifer recharge (alternative 3) increased streamflow from September into January, but reduced streamflow earlier in the summer. Conversion of surface-water diversions to ground-water wells (alternative 4) resulted in the largest increase in September streamflow of any alternative, but also marginally lower January flows (at most -8 percent in the 90-percent exceedence value). Forest-cover reduction (alternative 5) produced large increases in streamflow during high-flow periods in May and June and earlier onset of high flows and small increases in January streamflows. September streamflows were largely unaffected by alternative 5. Natural streamflow (alternative 6) was higher in September and lower in January than the baseline alternative.

Qumquad: a UML-based approach for remodeling of legacy systems in health care.

PubMed

Garde, Sebastian; Knaup, Petra; Herold, Ralf

2003-07-01

Health care information systems still comprise legacy systems to a certain extent. For reengineering legacy systems a thorough remodeling is inalienable. Current modeling techniques like the Unified Modeling Language (UML) do not offer a systematic and comprehensive process-oriented method for remodeling activities. We developed a systematic method for remodeling legacy systems in health care called Qumquad. Qumquad consists of three major steps: (i) modeling the actual state of the application system, (ii) systematic identification of weak points in this model and (iii) development of a target concept for the reimplementation considering the identified weak points. We applied Qumquad for remodeling a documentation and therapy planning system for pediatric oncology (DOSPO). As a result of our remodeling activities we regained an abstract model of the system, an analysis of the current weak points of DOSPO and possible (partly alternative) solutions to overcome the weak points. Qumquad proved to be very helpful in the reengineering process of DOSPO since we now have at our disposal a comprehensive model for the reimplementation of DOSPO that current users of the system agree on. Qumquad can easily be applied to other reengineering projects in health care.

49 CFR 234.213 - Grounds.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

...: circuits that include track rail; alternating current power distribution circuits that are grounded in the...) Circuits that include track rail; (2) Alternating current power distribution circuits that are grounded in...

Bioethanol from Lignocellulosic Biomass: Current Findings Determine Research Priorities

PubMed Central

Kang, Qian; Appels, Lise; Tan, Tianwei

2014-01-01

“Second generation” bioethanol, with lignocellulose material as feedstock, is a promising alternative for first generation bioethanol. This paper provides an overview of the current status and reveals the bottlenecks that hamper its implementation. The current literature specifies a conversion of biomass to bioethanol of 30 to ~50% only. Novel processes increase the conversion yield to about 92% of the theoretical yield. New combined processes reduce both the number of operational steps and the production of inhibitors. Recent advances in genetically engineered microorganisms are promising for higher alcohol tolerance and conversion efficiency. By combining advanced systems and by intensive additional research to eliminate current bottlenecks, second generation bioethanol could surpass the traditional first generation processes. PMID:25614881

Design of H2-O2 space shuttle APU. Volume 1: APU design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, E.

1974-01-01

The H2-O2 space shuttle auxiliary power unit (APU) program is a NASA-Lewis effort aimed at hardware demonstration of the technology required for potential use on the space shuttle. It has been shown that a hydrogen-oxygen power unit (APU) system is an attractive alternate to the space shuttle baseline hydrazine APU system for minimum weight. It has the capability for meeting many of the heat sink requirements for the space shuttle vehicle, thereby reducing the amount of expendable evaporants required for cooling in the baseline APU. Volume 1 of this report covers preliminary design and analysis of the current reference system and detail design of the test version of this reference system. Combustor test results are also included. Volume 2 contains the results of the analysis of an initial version of the reference system and the computer printouts of system performance. The APU consists of subsystems for propellant feed and conditioning, turbopower, and control. Propellant feed and conditioning contains all heat exchangers, valves, and the combustor. The turbopower subsystem contains a two-stage partial-admission pressure-modulated, 400-hp, 63,000-rpm turbine, a 0-to 4-g lubrication system, and a gearbox with output pads for two hydraulic pumps and an alternator (alternator not included on test unit). The electronic control functions include regulation of speed and system temperatures; and start-and-stop sequences, overspeed (rpm) and temperature limits, failsafe provisions, and automatic shutdown provisions.

Radar tracking with an interacting multiple model and probabilistic data association filter for civil aviation applications.

PubMed

Jan, Shau-Shiun; Kao, Yu-Chun

2013-05-17

The current trend of the civil aviation technology is to modernize the legacy air traffic control (ATC) system that is mainly supported by many ground based navigation aids to be the new air traffic management (ATM) system that is enabled by global positioning system (GPS) technology. Due to the low receiving power of GPS signal, it is a major concern to aviation authorities that the operation of the ATM system might experience service interruption when the GPS signal is jammed by either intentional or unintentional radio-frequency interference. To maintain the normal operation of the ATM system during the period of GPS outage, the use of the current radar system is proposed in this paper. However, the tracking performance of the current radar system could not meet the required performance of the ATM system, and an enhanced tracking algorithm, the interacting multiple model and probabilistic data association filter (IMMPDAF), is therefore developed to support the navigation and surveillance services of the ATM system. The conventional radar tracking algorithm, the nearest neighbor Kalman filter (NNKF), is used as the baseline to evaluate the proposed radar tracking algorithm, and the real flight data is used to validate the IMMPDAF algorithm. As shown in the results, the proposed IMMPDAF algorithm could enhance the tracking performance of the current aviation radar system and meets the required performance of the new ATM system. Thus, the current radar system with the IMMPDAF algorithm could be used as an alternative system to continue aviation navigation and surveillance services of the ATM system during GPS outage periods.

Radar Tracking with an Interacting Multiple Model and Probabilistic Data Association Filter for Civil Aviation Applications

PubMed Central

Jan, Shau-Shiun; Kao, Yu-Chun

2013-01-01

The current trend of the civil aviation technology is to modernize the legacy air traffic control (ATC) system that is mainly supported by many ground based navigation aids to be the new air traffic management (ATM) system that is enabled by global positioning system (GPS) technology. Due to the low receiving power of GPS signal, it is a major concern to aviation authorities that the operation of the ATM system might experience service interruption when the GPS signal is jammed by either intentional or unintentional radio-frequency interference. To maintain the normal operation of the ATM system during the period of GPS outage, the use of the current radar system is proposed in this paper. However, the tracking performance of the current radar system could not meet the required performance of the ATM system, and an enhanced tracking algorithm, the interacting multiple model and probabilistic data association filter (IMMPDAF), is therefore developed to support the navigation and surveillance services of the ATM system. The conventional radar tracking algorithm, the nearest neighbor Kalman filter (NNKF), is used as the baseline to evaluate the proposed radar tracking algorithm, and the real flight data is used to validate the IMMPDAF algorithm. As shown in the results, the proposed IMMPDAF algorithm could enhance the tracking performance of the current aviation radar system and meets the required performance of the new ATM system. Thus, the current radar system with the IMMPDAF algorithm could be used as an alternative system to continue aviation navigation and surveillance services of the ATM system during GPS outage periods. PMID:23686142

Method for sputtering with low frequency alternating current

DOEpatents

Timberlake, John R.

1996-01-01

Low frequency alternating current sputtering is provided by connecting a low frequency alternating current source to a high voltage transformer having outer taps and a center tap for stepping up the voltage of the alternating current. The center tap of the transformer is connected to a vacuum vessel containing argon or helium gas. Target electrodes, in close proximity to each other, and containing material with which the substrates will be coated, are connected to the outer taps of the transformer. With an applied potential, the gas will ionize and sputtering from the target electrodes onto the substrate will then result. The target electrodes can be copper or boron, and the substrate can be stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. Copper coatings produced are used in place of nickel and/or copper striking.

Method for sputtering with low frequency alternating current

DOEpatents

Timberlake, J.R.

1996-04-30

Low frequency alternating current sputtering is provided by connecting a low frequency alternating current source to a high voltage transformer having outer taps and a center tap for stepping up the voltage of the alternating current. The center tap of the transformer is connected to a vacuum vessel containing argon or helium gas. Target electrodes, in close proximity to each other, and containing material with which the substrates will be coated, are connected to the outer taps of the transformer. With an applied potential, the gas will ionize and sputtering from the target electrodes onto the substrate will then result. The target electrodes can be copper or boron, and the substrate can be stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. Copper coatings produced are used in place of nickel and/or copper striking. 6 figs.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wellman, Dawn M.; Freshley, Mark D.; Truex, Michael J.

Current requirements for site remediation and closure are standards-based and are often overly conservative, costly, and in some cases, technically impractical to achieve. Use of risk-informed alternate endpoints provide a means to achieve remediation goals that are permitted by regulations and are protective of human health and the environment. Alternate endpoints enable establishing a path for cleanup that may include intermediate remedial milestones and transition points and/or regulatory alternatives to standards-based remediation. A framework is presented that is centered around developing and refining conceptual models in conjunction with assessing risks and potential endpoints as part of a system-based assessment thatmore » integrates site data with scientific understanding of processes that control the distribution and transport of contaminants in the subsurface and pathways to receptors. This system based assessment and subsequent implementation of the remediation strategy with appropriate monitoring are targeted at providing a holistic approach to addressing risks to human health and the environment. This holistic approach also enables effective predictive analysis of contaminant behavior to provide defensible criteria and data for making long-term decisions. Developing and implementing an alternate endpoint-based approach for remediation and waste site closure presents a number of challenges and opportunities. Categories of these challenges include scientific and technical, regulatory, institutional, and budget and resource allocation issues. Opportunities exist for developing and implementing systems-based approaches with respect to supportive characterization, monitoring, predictive modeling, and remediation approaches.« less

Remedial Action Assessment System: A computer-based methodology for conducting feasibility studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

White, M.K.; Buelt, J.L.; Stottlemyre, J.A.

1991-02-01

Because of the complexity and number of potential waste sites facing the US Department of Energy (DOE) for potential cleanup, DOE is supporting the development of a computer-based methodology to streamline the remedial investigation/feasibility study process. The Remedial Action Assessment System (RAAS), can be used for screening, linking, and evaluating established technology processes in support of conducting feasibility studies. It is also intended to do the same in support of corrective measures studies. The user interface employs menus, windows, help features, and graphical information while RAAS is in operation. Object-oriented programming is used to link unit processes into sets ofmore » compatible processes that form appropriate remedial alternatives. Once the remedial alternatives are formed, the RAAS methodology can evaluate them in terms of effectiveness, implementability, and cost. RAAS will access a user-selected risk assessment code to determine the reduction of risk after remedial action by each recommended alternative. The methodology will also help determine the implementability of the remedial alternatives at a site and access cost estimating tools to provide estimates of capital, operating, and maintenance costs. This paper presents the characteristics of two RAAS prototypes currently being developed. These include the RAAS Technology Information System, which accesses graphical, tabular and textual information about technologies, and the main RAAS methodology, which screens, links, and evaluates remedial technologies. 4 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less

Optimization and performance comparison for galloping-based piezoelectric energy harvesters with alternating-current and direct-current interface circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Ting; Yan, Zhimiao; Lei, Hong

2017-07-01

Galloping-based piezoelectric energy harvesters scavenge small-scale wind energy and convert it into electrical energy. For piezoelectric energy harvesting with the same vibrational source (galloping) but different (alternating-current (AC) and direct-current (DC)) interfaces, general analytical solutions of the electromechanical coupled distributed parameter model are proposed. Galloping is theoretically proven to appear when the linear aerodynamic negative damping overcomes the electrical damping and mechanical damping. The harvested power is demonstrated as being done by the electrical damping force. Via tuning the load resistance to its optimal value for optimal or maximal electrical damping, the harvested power of the given structure with the AC/DC interface is maximized. The optimal load resistances and the corresponding performances of such two systems are compared. The optimal electrical damping are the same but with different optimal load resistances for the systems with the AC and DC interfaces. At small wind speeds where the optimal electrical damping can be realized by only tuning the load resistance, the performances of such two energy harvesting systems, including the minimal onset speeds to galloping, maximal harvested powers and corresponding tip displacements are almost the same. Smaller maximal electrical damping with larger optimal load resistance is found for the harvester with the DC interface when compared to those for the harvester with the AC interface. At large wind speeds when the maximal electrical damping rather than the optimal electrical damping can be reached by tuning the load resistance alone, the harvester with the AC interface circuit is recommended for a higher maximal harvested power with a smaller tip displacement. This study provides a method using the general electrical damping to connect and compare the performances of piezoelectric energy harvesters with same excitation source but different interfaces.

Variations in lay health theories: implications for consumer health care decision making.

PubMed

Shaw Hughner, Renée; Schultz Kleine, Susan

2008-12-01

Wide variations in how contemporary consumers think about health and make health care decisions often go unrecognized by health care marketers and public policy decision makers. In the current global environment, prevailing Western viewpoints on health and conventional biomedicine are being challenged by a countervailing belief system forming the basis for alternative health care practices. The ways American consumers once thought about health have changed and multiplied in this new era of competing health paradigms. Our study provides empirical evidence for this assertion in two ways. First, it demonstrates that in the current environment consumers think about health and health care in a multiplicity of very different ways, leading to the conclusion that we should not classify health care consumers as either conventional or alternative. Second, the results provide clues as to how individuals holding diverse health theories make health care decisions that impact health behaviors, treatment efficacy, and satisfaction judgments.

Outside-the-(Cavity-prep)-Box Thinking

PubMed Central

Thompson, V.P.; Watson, T.F.; Marshall, G.W.; Blackman, B.R.K.; Stansbury, J.W.; Schadler, L.S.; Pearson, R.A.; Libanori, R.

2013-01-01

Direct placement restorative materials must interface with tooth structures that are often compromised by caries or trauma. The material must seal the interface while providing sufficient strength and wear resistance to assure function of the tooth for, ideally, the lifetime of the patient. Needed are direct restorative materials that are less technique-sensitive than current resin-based composite systems while having improved properties. The ideal material could be successfully used in areas of the world with limited infrastructure. Advances in our understanding of the interface between the restoration adhesive system and the stages of carious dentin can be used to promote remineralization. Application of fracture mechanics to adhesion at the tooth-restoration interface can provide insights for improvement. Research in polymer systems suggests alternatives to current composite resin matrix systems to overcome technique sensitivity, while advances in nano- and mesoparticle reinforcement and alignment in composite systems can increase material strength, toughness, and wear resistance, foreshadowing dental application. PMID:24129814

Analysis Insights, August 2015: Sustainable Transportation; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2015-08-01

NREL Analysis Insights mines our body of analysis work to synthesize topical insights and key findings. In this issue, we examine transportation systems, alternative fuels, and implications of increasing electrification of transit. Moving people and goods from point A to B has never been easier, but our current transportation systems also take a toll on our environment. Transportation currently accounts for 71% of total U.S. petroleum use and 33% of the nation’s total carbon emissions. With new technology, can we make our transportation system cleaner and more cost effective? NREL is applying its analytical expertise and imagination to do justmore » that. Solutions start with systems thinking. Connecting the dots between physical components - vehicles, fueling stations, and highways - and institutional components - traffic laws, regulations, and vehicle standards - helps illuminate solutions that address the needs of the transportation system's many stakeholders.« less

Dechlorination by ultraviolet radiation: a suitable alternative to activated carbon in dialysis water systems?

PubMed

James, Ray

2009-12-01

Chlorine-based products are widely used in the water supply industry, and the potential for adverse effects in the haemodialysis setting is well documented. To date, the most commonly used method of chlorine removal has been granular activated carbon filters. An increasingly popular method of dechlorination is the use of high intensity, broad-spectrum UV systems to reduce both free chlorine and combined chlorine compounds (chloramines) into easily removed by-products. UV radiation has been successfully used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to destroy free chlorine and/or chloramines present in water, and kill all known spoilage microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, yeasts and moulds (and their spores). This nonchemical method can offer significant advantages and benefits compared to conventional dechlorination technologies currently employed in dialysis water systems. Whilst UV treatment at 254 nm wavelength has been routinely used for disinfection purposes in dialysis water systems, this paper considers whether UV radiation can be used as an alternative to more traditional methods of chlorine removal.

Sustainability assessment and prioritisation of e-waste management options in Brazil.

PubMed

de Souza, Ricardo Gabbay; Clímaco, João C Namorado; Sant'Anna, Annibal Parracho; Rocha, Tiago Barreto; do Valle, Rogério de Aragão Bastos; Quelhas, Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves

2016-11-01

Brazil has an increasing rate of e-waste generation, but there are currently few adequate management systems in operation, with the largest share of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) going to landfill sites or entering informal chains. The National Solid Waste Policy (2010) enforces the implementation of reverse logistics systems under the shared responsibility of consumers, companies and governments. The objective of this paper is to assess sustainability and prioritise system alternatives for potential implementation in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. Sustainability criteria and decision alternatives were defined by elicitation of stakeholders. The adopted multicriteria approach combines Life Cycle Assessment with qualitative evaluations by a small sample of regional experts with knowledge of the problem. The recommended system consists of a hybrid WEEE collection scheme with delivery points at shops, metro stations and neighbourhood centres; a pre-treatment phase with the involvement of private companies, cooperatives and social enterprises; and full recycling of all components in the country. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Oxidative stress. Should it be measured in the diabetic patient?].

PubMed

Villa-Caballero, L; Nava-Ocampo, A A; Frati-Munari, A C; Ponce-Monter, H

2000-01-01

Oxidative stress has been defined as a loss of counterbalance between free radical or reactive oxygen species production and the antioxidant systems, with negative effects on carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. It is also involved in the progression of different chronic diseases and apoptosis. Diabetes mellitus is associated to a high oxidative stress level through different biochemical pathways, i.e. protein glycosylation, glucose auto-oxidation, and the polyol pathway, mainly induced by hyperglycemia. Oxidative stress could also be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions and other chronic diabetic complications. Measurement of oxidative stress could be useful to investigate its role in the initiation and development processes of chronic diabetic complications and also to evaluate preventive actions, including antioxidative therapy. Different attempts have been made to obtain a practical, accurate, specific, and sensitive method to evaluate oxidative stress in clinical practice. However, this ideal method is not currently available to date and the usefulness of the current methods needs to be confirmed in daily practice. We suggest quantifying oxidated and reduced glutation (GSSG/GSH) and the thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) with currently alternatives. Currently available alternative methods while we await better options.

Implementing E-Learning at the University of Nicosia: Making It Possible

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexander, Chris

2011-01-01

This practical paper reports on significant Learning Activity Management System (LAMS) work currently being undertaken at The University of Nicosia in Cyprus; a growing number of full e-courses have been, and are being, created using LAMS and a suite of specialized programs in order to provide an alternate and more convenient educational service…

The Trouble with Health Savings Accounts: A Social Work Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gorin, Stephen

2006-01-01

In recent years, conservatives have promoted health savings accounts (HSAs) as a way of addressing the growing cost of health insurance. HSAs were introduced under the Medical Modernization Act of 2003 as "an alternative to traditional health insurance." They are at the heart of an effort to replace the current system of insurance with…

A Failing Grade for Our Efforts to Make Our Civilization More Environmentally Sustainable

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nakajima, Nina; Vanderburg, Willem H.

2005-01-01

In the decades to come, the authors expect growing pressures to reform current production systems to make them more compatible with the biosphere. A proactive approach to this pressure involves consideration of an alternate value chain based on a comprehensive engineering and marketing approach to recover value from end-of-life products. To…

The Need for a Comprehensive Care and Education Service for Pre-School Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackstone, Tessa

An argument is presented for a comprehensive and universal system of care and education for preschool children outside the family. Current institutional arrangements in the United Kingdom for government provision of education and care for young children are discussed and proposals are made for alternative ways of providing this service. It is…

CONVERSION OF WIND POWER TO HYDROGEN FUEL: DESIGN OF AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM FOR AN INJECTION MOLDING FACILITY

EPA Science Inventory

Injection molding plants are large consumers of electricity. At its current level of operations, Harbec Plastics (Ontario, NY) uses about 2,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. Based on the US average fuel mix, approximately 1.5 pounds of CO2